Protecting an endangered species
One African penguin at a time
We’ve lost over 97% of African penguins, which have been endangered since 2010 and will face extinction in situ by 2035. Human harm began in the 1800s when greedy humans stole the African penguin’s guano (they called it “white gold”) for fertilizer. Without guano to build their burrows, they were much more vulnerable to predators. African penguin eggs were a delicacy, even served on the Titanic, and we know what happened there. Next came climate change, commercial fishing, plastics, human encroachment, and oil spills.
How we protect endangered African penguins from extinction
We work with our partners in South Africa to bolster endangered African penguin populations in situ. Their generous spirits touch us, and we share their excitement about working with the endangered (and adorable) African penguins. There’s something magical about working together to save a species from extinction.
We raise awareness in the US and raise funds for:
• rearing abandoned chicks and incubating eggs—a vital part of the African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan;
• rehabilitating injured, ill, or oiled birds;
• responding to emergencies, whether it be needed equipment or funding the salary of an African penguin ranger; and
• equipping African penguin populations with artificial nests.
“KruShan Foundation is doing vital work to address detrimental environmental changes, specifically as affecting African penguins. I cannot do that work myself; however, I can donate funds to do so. In addition, the Foundation is working in a transparent manner (Guidestar-Candid), along with using a high percentage of donations for programs. Its goals align well with my desire to do something to help those in the world now and for generations to come.”
Sherry Moore, Austin, Texas, recurring donor
Our Impact
When does 1 equal 45? When we help rear an African penguin chick or rehabilitate an injured African penguin, that act has a long-term ripple effect that increases the population of African penguin colonies. Every African penguin counts.
350
+
African penguins fed
20
Artificial penguin nests provided
25
African penguins rehabilitated
50
%
Increase in funds from 2022 to 2023
280
%
Net revenue increase from 2022 to 2023
97
%
Of donations go to programs
“Dear Shannon and Kruger, on behalf of our CEO, Wilfred, the African Penguins at APSS, and our Dyer Island Colony, we can’t thank you enough for your incredible, lifesaving, donation. Thank you thank you, you literally saved us from having to turn away penguins.”
Christine Wessels, Public Relations / Personal Assistant: Wilfred Chivell–Founder African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.
Do you have questions? Please get in touch with us. We’re happy to answer them and love talking about African penguins.
Partners
