Penguin rescue - South Africa

Product Details

Are you passionate about preventing the extinction of vulnerable sea birds, such as the African penguin, unique to Southern Africa's shoreline? In this programme you will work directly with sea birds that have been injured, dehydrated, damaged by oil spills, orphaned or are suffering from avian malaria.

Penguins can swim 120km a day, and can be found anywhere along South Africa's busy shipping coastline between Namibia and Mozambique, and therefore have a great chance of encountering an oil spill.

Baby penguin chicks that have been abandoned by parent penguins that aren't able to find enough food for them are fostered and when strong enough, released back to the wild. There is also a breeding programme for birds such as the bank cormorant, which is severely endangered due to increased destruction of its natural habitat.

Each bird is expensive to keep and the project relies completely on donations and volunteers. Some overseas volunteers have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness and funding in their hometowns, to adopt a baby penguin. It's a wonderful experience watching an injured bird recover, and taking rehabilitated birds out to be released is definitely a highlight of this volunteering experience.

Location

The project is based at Table View, which is approximately 20km from the center of Cape Town. This is an ideal base from which to visit the city and the surrounding areas.

Project life

This is fantastic opportunity to gain real hands-on experience of conservation in action. You will learn about the life cycle and conservation of various seabirds, particularly penguins; how to catch, handle, feed, tube and administer medication and assist in the Intensive Care Unit.

There is always routine maintenance at this project, scrubbing down the bird enclosures and caring for the birds needing rehabilitation. And then there are sudden crises (anything over 500 oiled birds), when every available volunteer is needed to help with washing the hundreds of penguins that are brought to the project to be cleansed of oil.

Releases take place weekly and birds are released on a whale-watching trip close to Robben Island. Robben Island is home to one of the largest African penguin colonies in the world.

On your first day at the center you will receive your work schedule; typical daily hours are 8am to 5pm, with two days off per week. Any additional days off will need to be requested prior to your arrival.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation is in a hostel with food allowance of ZAR800 per month.

Dates and duration

You can join the programme on the first Monday of each month. Minimum duration is eight weeks to a maximum of one year.

Flights and transportation

Flights are not included. You will be collected from Cape Town Airport and taken to your accommodation ready for your orientation.

Safety and insurance

All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non governmental organisations, government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations. Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.