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South Africa’s critically endangered African penguins are in excellent hands thanks to the important work being done by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
But is it enough?
Every year, SANCCOB’s rehabilitation team and seabird rangers rescue approximately two thousand African Penguins and flying seabirds that would otherwise have died from abandonment, starvation, injuries, disease or pollution such as oil spills. These birds are brought to SANCCOB’s seabird hospitals in the Western and Eastern Cape, where they receive world-class veterinary care.
At SANCCOB’s Table View facility in Cape Town, seabird veterinarian Dr David Roberts has been diagnosing and treating seabirds since 2017. It’s a full-time commitment he is deeply passionate about.
“SANCCOB offers an excellent opportunity for me to contribute to conserving endangered species,” says Dr Roberts. “Working alongside experts like ecologists and conservationists, we can make a difference. Every treatment or surgery we perform gives a bird a second chance at life in the wild.” The SANCCOB veterinary team does not and cannot work in isolation, SANCCOB’s team includes a host of hard-working professionals who rescue birds in the wild, raise chicks, rehabilitate birds, educate people, run tours, engage with conservation partners, prepare for and respond to disasters, raise funds, keep the organisation running and fight for the conservation of seabirds in the wild. We also rely on volunteers, interns, drivers and first responders who work tirelessly to save seabirds.
Nearly every bird admitted to SANCCOB would have died without intervention. SANCCOB treats not only African penguins but all types of seabirds, from abandoned eggs at risk of predation or environmental elements to adult penguins with severe injuries. Many birds arrive emaciated and require a carefully introduced, specialized diet to regain health. The lack of the penguins’ food of sardine and anchovy due to competition with the commercial fisheries sector is the primary driver of decline.
“We administer drips, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes even blood transfusions. Most surgical procedures done at SANCCOB are to treat wounds, with some penguins requiring multiple procedures before they are ready for release. One bird needed 13 surgeries,” Roberts explains.
The length of stay for SANCCOB’s patients varies. Some recover in a month, while others need far longer. Birds with damaged feathers remain until they moult, which can take up to a year, while African penguin chicks that hatch at SANCCOB are usually released after approximately three months of care.
After weeks and sometimes months of nursing penguins and seabirds back to health the most rewarding part of the job is releasing them back into the wild. However, with habitats and food sources under threat, their long-term survival remains uncertain. “No matter how much we do, if there isn’t a healthy environment for them, our work is in vain. The rapid decline in seabird numbers is devastating,” he admits.
With only 8,300 breeding pairs left in South Africa, the African penguin population is decreasing at a worrying rate of 7.9% per year. A major cause is the scarcity of food due to competition with commercial fishing near breeding colonies, which impacts survival and breeding success. Though no-take fishing zones exist to protect fish populations, research shows these zones are insufficient. Without change, the African penguin could be extinct by 2035.
SANCCOB’s Table View facility treats approximately 750 African penguins annually, as well as a similar number of other seabirds. Dr. Roberts and his team are constantly adapting to new arrivals, working tirelessly to prevent extinction.
Dr. Roberts, born in England and raised in Namibia, developed a deep love for nature early on with ecologist parents. His dedication to wildlife led him to pursue veterinary science, spending his gap year with the Save the Rhino Trust before studying at the University of Pretoria and earning a master’s in wildlife veterinary medicine. He has also worked on conservation projects in Namibia, including collaring wild lions. Roberts was recently nominated for a Golden Star Award by Worldwide Vets in recognition of his exceptional work as an onsite veterinarian at SANCCOB. The public have until 14 November to vote for him.
For many in conservation, this work is a calling. Veterinarians play a crucial role not only in animal health but in public health by preventing diseases that can transfer from animals to humans, like rabies and avian flu. At SANCCOB, Dr Roberts mentors young vets, calling it an ideal place to learn about seabird rehabilitation medicine.
“As an indicator species, the African penguin reflects the health of its ecosystem. From what we’re seeing, our oceans are in serious trouble. If ever there was a time for all sectors of society to unite to save our planet, it’s now. The decline of the African penguin population is a symptom of ocean ecosystem collapse”
To find out more about the incredible work being done at SANCCOB, or to book a tour visit www.sanccob.co.za or contact them directly at 021 5576155, or via email atinfo@sanccob.co.za.