The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is a leading seabird conservation organisation dedicated to saving threatened seabirds along the southern African coastline. Founded in 1968, SANCCOB has more than five decades of experience responding to seabird crises, from oil spills to chronic threats facing marine ecosystems, with a particular focus on the critically endangered African Penguin.

As African Penguin populations continue to decline due to food scarcity, habitat disturbance and climate-related pressures, SANCCOB delivers direct, hands-on conservation interventions that have proven impact. This includes the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, oiled and abandoned seabirds, giving thousands of birds a second chance at life each year.

A cornerstone of SANCCOB's work is its pioneering Chick Rearing Unit, where abandoned and at-risk African Penguin chicks are removed from failing colonies, hand-reared under expert care, and released back into the wild once they are strong enough to survive. This intervention significantly increases chick survival rates and is a critical tool in preventing the species' extinction.

Complementing this work, SANCCOB's ranger programme provides vital on-the-ground protection at key breeding colonies. Rangers monitor nests, protect eggs and chicks, reduce human disturbance, and respond rapidly to emerging threats, helping to stabilise breeding success in some of the most vulnerable colonies.

Through a combination of emergency response, long-term conservation programmes, scientific research, advocacy and education, SANCCOB is working tirelessly to ensure a future for Africa's iconic seabirds and the marine ecosystems they depend on.