2015-08-13
SANCCOB released the four orphaned African penguin
chicks admitted to its centre in Cape St. Francis after a mystery oil
spill hit Algoa Bay.
After undergoing 13 weeks of rehabilitation at SANCCOB, these chicks have now reached fledging age, are in good health and have gained the natural waterproofing of their brand new, blue-grey feathers, which is needed for them to survive in the wild. “It is a bittersweet celebration, releasing these penguins back into the wild after seeing them grow into healthy juvenile penguins. But we are proud of all the staff and volunteers involved in the rescue operation and helping us to achieve a 100% release rate for all the birds admitted to SANCCOB during the spill,” says Juanita Raath, rehabilitation coordinator.
The Marine Rangers at SANParks, the penguins’ original rescuers, transported and released these chicks back into their St. Croix- and Bird Island colonies over the weekend.
Thirty oiled African penguins and the four penguin chicks were admitted from Bird and St. Croix islands, after being rescued by rangers from the Marine Section of the Addo Elephant National Park (SANParks). The adult oiled penguins were all released back into the wild by July 11, after being successfully rehabilitated and approved for release by SANCCOB’s veterinary team.
While all of the penguins affected by the oil spill have been released back into the wild, the source of the oil spill still remains uncertain.
To assist SANCCOB financially, visit their website at www.sanccob.co.za or make an electronic funds transfer to SANCCOB, First National Bank, account number 59 23 713 5859, branch number 203809, swift code FIRNZAJJ461, reference initials, surname and oil.
For more information, contact SANCCOB Eastern Cape at 042 298 0160/ 082 890 0207 or send an e-mail to louanne@sanccob.co.za
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