The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sea birds, with its headquarters situated in Cape Town. At the core of their mission is the preservation and safeguarding of South Africa’s sea birds, with a particular emphasis on threatened species, ensuring the well-being of both current and future generations.
On a daily basis, SANCCOB engages in the critical work of rehabilitating ailing, injured, oiled, and orphaned sea birds. Their efforts extend beyond individual care, as they actively prepare for and manage large-scale rehabilitation initiatives during significant oil spills. The organization is completely committed to fostering awareness about conservation through impactful environmental education initiatives and actively participates in collaborative research projects aimed at advancing the understanding of sea bird species.
Over the course of the past 37 years, SANCCOB has made a significant impact, having successfully treated and rehabilitated more than 83,000 sea birds. This impressive track record speaks to the organization’s dedication and effectiveness in addressing the various challenges faced by sea bird and penguin populations.
For those interested in gaining insight into SANCCOB’s vital work, the organization offers private groups the opportunity to book an exclusive “behind the scenes” tour. During this tour, participants are treated to a short video presentation detailing the infamous Treasure oil spill, a pivotal event that underscores the importance of SANCCOB’s work. The tour includes a guided exploration of select areas within SANCCOB’s rehabilitation center. It’s worth noting that certain areas of the facility are restricted in order to maintain the focus on bird rehabilitation. The tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, provide an intimate and informative experience, ensuring that participants leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by sea birds and the crucial role played by SANCCOB in their conservation.