African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary - APSS

16/06/2026

Youth Day 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

Today, on Youth Day, we celebrate the young minds who will shape the future of our planet. Youth are the future, and by investing in their knowledge and understanding today, we help create a better tomorrow for both people and wildlife.

We are always encouraged to see families, school groups, and young visitors spending time at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, learning about the challenges facing the critically endangered African Penguin and other seabirds.

Environmental education plays a vital role in conservation. By helping young people understand the impact of pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss, we empower them to become informed and responsible custodians of the natural world.

The African Penguin population has declined dramatically over the past century, and without effective conservation action, future generations may never have the opportunity to experience these remarkable birds in the wild.

Every child who visits our sanctuary leaves with a greater understanding of why conservation matters and how each of us can make a difference.

This Youth Day, we celebrate the power of education, curiosity, and hope. Together, we can help ensure that African Penguins remain a part of South Africa's natural heritage for generations to come.

Happy Youth Day!

15/06/2026

Where Do Penguins Go After Release?

After rehabilitation at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary, penguins are released back into the wild near Dyer Island, which is their natural home.

Dyer Island is an Important Bird Area and home to a colony of the critically endangered African penguins. Sadly, the species has declined dramatically in recent years. Without active conservation intervention, the African penguin could face extinction in the wild.

Once released, the hope is that the penguins can find enough fish near the island to survive, regain strength, and continue life in their natural environment.

This is why the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of every penguin in distress plays such an important role in the conservation of the species. Every penguin returned to the wild is another step toward protecting their future.

Read more about our work below and how you can support our conservation efforts: https://dict.org.za/

08/06/2026

05/06/2026

World Environment Day 2026

Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future

Nature inspires us every day.

From the majestic whales that migrate along our coastline to the sharks, African penguins, seals, dolphins, and seabirds that call our oceans home, these remarkable animals remind us of the beauty, resilience, and importance of a healthy marine environment.

At Marine Dynamics, together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, we are committed to protecting and understanding the marine ecosystems that sustain these species for generations to come.

This World Environment Day, take a moment to be inspired by nature and remember that every action, no matter how small, can help create a more sustainable future.

💙 For our oceans. For our climate. For our future.

05/06/2026

NEWSPAPERS WITH PURPOSE – FROM CONSERVATION TO COMMUNITY

What began at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary as a simple recycling initiative has grown into a powerful community-driven project in Gansbaai.

Today, this inspiring effort is led by Mariaan Burger together with a dedicated group of elderly residents from the Silwerjare Service Centre in Blompark. What started as a conservation-focused idea has evolved into a space where creativity, connection, and purpose come together.

By transforming old newspapers into beautifully handcrafted bags, this group is not only reducing waste but also creating meaningful opportunities for social connection and additional income, which supports their group outings and activities.

These unique, eco-friendly bags are now proudly used at both the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary and The Great White House, giving visitors a chance to be part of something bigger — a story of sustainability and community upliftment.

Through this initiative, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours, and The Great White House continue to show that true conservation goes beyond the environment. It’s about supporting people, building community, and creating lasting impact.

04/06/2026

Looking Back at May: The Reality of Life in the Wild

These images from our seabird rescue and rehabilitation work during May are a reminder that life in the wild can be incredibly challenging.

Predation is a natural part of the ecosystem, and seabirds, including African penguins and other species, can sometimes suffer injuries caused by predators such as seals.

At the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, some of these vulnerable birds are brought into our care for treatment, rehabilitation, and a second chance at survival.

While these moments can be difficult to witness, they also highlight the importance of ongoing conservation efforts, monitoring, and rehabilitation work to support seabirds facing increasing environmental pressures.

Every bird treated is a reminder of why this work matters.

Read more about our conservation work and how you can support our efforts at https://dict.org.za/

29/05/2026

Last night at around 18:00, Xolani Lawu, Senior Bird Rehabilitator at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), received a call from concerned Sandbaai resident and retired CapeNature Area Manager, Tierck Hoekstra.
Tierck had spotted a dishevelled Southern Fulmar (Silwerstormvoël), a rare ocean wanderer from the icy southern seas. Xolani immediately jumped into action, meeting Tierck halfway as the rescue response began.
The beautiful bird survived the night and was ready for a hearty breakfast this morning, although Xolani had a few close encounters with the Fulmar’s impressive “super shark beak”!
Upon close inspection by the APSS team, no serious injuries or illnesses were detected. We believe the bird may have been affected by the heavy winds and stormy conditions experienced along our coastline two weeks ago. Hopefully, with some rest and care, this magnificent seabird will soon be ready for release back into the wild.
Southern Fulmars breed around Antarctica and travel vast distances across the Southern Ocean. Along the Western Cape coastline, sightings are rare and always special. With their silver-grey feathers, striking pink-and-blue tubenose bill and incredible endurance, they are true masters of the open ocean.
A huge thank you to Tierck for acting so quickly and contacting APSS immediately.
We urge Overberg residents to save our seabird and marine wildlife rescue line: 072 598 7117.
And a special thank you to CFAO Mobility Toyota Cape Town City for our rescue and retrieve Hilux, helping us respond when marine wildlife needs us most.
Christine Wessels – [email protected]

23/05/2026

Did You Know?

When you support our curio shop, you are directly contributing to the rehabilitation and care of critically endangered African penguins and other seabirds in need.

We have a variety of beautiful gifts available, perfect to take home as a reminder of your visit.

Every purchase helps support the treatment, daily care, and rehabilitation of seabirds in need.

Shop with purpose. Support conservation. Make a difference.

21/05/2026

From Fluffy Chick to Juvenile Penguin

Chick season in the wild reminds us of the journey from fluffy down to an independent juvenile.

Every African penguin starts life as a tiny, fluffy chick covered in soft, grey down feathers. During the first few weeks, they rely completely on their parents for warmth and food.

As they grow, their fluffy feathers slowly begin to shed and are replaced with waterproof juvenile feathers. This transformation is important because it prepares them for life in the ocean.

Juvenile African penguins look very different from adults. Instead of the bold black-and-white markings adults have, juveniles wear a more muted grey-and-white coat that helps camouflage them while they learn to survive at sea.

Watching these stages reminds us how vulnerable young penguins are and why protecting their nesting sites and food sources is so important for the future of this endangered species.

16/05/2026

The recent storms that swept across the Overstrand left destruction in their wake — not only for communities, but for marine wildlife too.

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary rehabilitation team responded to multiple wildlife rescues, including a juvenile Black-browed Albatross, an injured Skua, and a stranded turtle hatchling. These extraordinary ocean travellers, driven ashore by severe weather, are now receiving expert care and rehabilitation.

This story is a reminder that conservation work continues long after the storm passes. Read more about these rescues and the incredible work being done to protect marine wildlife along our coastline.

Read the full story here: https://dict.org.za/blog/riders-of-the-storm/

And a special thank you to CFAO Mobility Toyota Cape Town City for our trusted Toyota Hilux, which enables the team to respond to difficult wildlife rescues along our coastline — often in harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain. Reliable transport plays a vital role in ensuring stranded and injured marine wildlife can receive urgent care as quickly as possible.