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A sanctuary for sick and stranded seabirds
Penguins Eastern Cape
Rockhopper penguins at Penguin Eastern Cape sanctuary.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
If you support a penguin at Penguins Eastern Cape, you get to name it.
It’s feeding time at Penguins Eastern Cape, in the shadow of the lighthouse in the lovely coastal town of Cape St Francis.
Xolani Lawo heads into the grassy enclosure where many of them are dozing or balancing on rocks and gently herds them through a door. Each penguin has an identity bracelet on a flipper. Once on the Astroturf feeding platform, the volunteers call out the details to Xolani: 'Nip has had 4 sardines; 4 fish for Nella; 4 tails for Barcelona; Elvis had 1 small tail and 3 long tails.'
Most of the birds are African penguins (not surprising because 2 of the most important breeding islands for this dwindling species, Bird Island and St Croix, are not far away). But sometimes a few exotics arrive. Nip and Tuck, rockhopper penguins with crazy yellow hair-dos, are from Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean. Sailors might have caught them and then let them go close to Port Elizabeth. A little while back, a King penguin from Antarctica washed up on South African shores and was brought here.
Some penguins have been caught up in oil slicks from ships cleaning their bilges. A single vessel washing its decks can oil 100 penguins, leaving them poisoned, cold (because their feathers are no longer waterproof) and dehydrated.
Penguins Eastern Cape has treated 10 000 seabirds in 25 years. It’s a significant number, given that the African penguin population has suffered a crash from 150 000 pairs in the 1950s to fewer than 26 000 pairs by 2009. In 2010 they were put on the list of endangered animals.
Trudi Malan and Xolani run a highly professional operation. It’s not specifically geared around visitors, although they are made welcome.
Some penguins can never be released (like Stevie, who is blind). But for the staff at this sanctuary, the happiest days of all are when healthy penguins can be taken to the beach and released. They head straight home, without a backward glance.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Penguins Eastern Cape
Trudi Malan or Xolani Lawo
Tel: +27 (0) 42 298 0200
Email: info@penguin-rescue.org.za
How to get here
Cape St Francis is about 90km, or less than an hour's drive from the nearest airport at Port Elizabeth. Take the N2 towards George, then turn onto the R330 and go through Humansdorp. Turn left at the T-junction, then follow the signs to Cape St Francis. Once there, head for the lighthouse.
Around the area
Do find time to admire the historic lighthouse, the highest such masonry structure in South Africa.
What will it cost
You could peer through the windows for free, but if you'd like to support a penguin, it will cost approx R600 (which is the cost of treating and releasing a bird).
Length of stay
This is a lovely half-day excursion.
Where to stay
There is plenty of accommodation in nearby Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay.
What's happening
You'll find long golden beaches here, plus thick, unspoilt vegetation, and some lovely seafood restaurants.
Best buys
The curio shop contains delightful penguin hand-puppets and other objects made by the local community.