 Penguin Rescue South Africa
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Are you passionate about preventing the extinction of vulnerable sea birds, such as the African Penguin, unique to Southern Africa's shoreline? In this volunteer program you will work directly with sea birds that have been injured, dehydrated, damaged by oil spills, orphaned or are suffering from avian Malaria. |
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Penguins can swim 120km a day, and can be found anywhere along South Africa's busy shipping coastline between Namibia and Mozambique, and therefore have a great chance of encountering an oil spill.
Baby penguin chicks that have been abandoned by parent penguins that aren't able to find enough food for them are fostered and when strong enough, released back to the wild. There is also a breeding program for birds such as the Bank Cormorant, which is severely endangered due to increased destruction of its natural habitat.
Each bird is expensive to keep and the project relies completely on donations and volunteers. Some overseas volunteers have taken it upon themselves to raise awareness and funding in their hometowns, to adopt a baby penguin. It's a wonderful experience watching an injured bird recover, and taking rehabilitated birds out to be released is definitely a highlight of this volunteering experience.
 Interested in a safari as well? Please click here for more information! (PDF 173 KB) |
The Penguin Rescue South Africa project is based at Table View, which is approximately 20kms from the center of Cape Town. This is an ideal base from which to visit the city and the surrounding areas.
This is fantastic opportunity to gain real hands-on experience of conservation in action. You will learn about the life cycle and conservation of various seabirds, particularly penguins; how to catch, handle, feed, tube and administer medication and assist in the Intensive Care Unit.
There is always routine maintenance at this project, scrubbing down the bird enclosures and caring for the birds needing rehabilitation. And then there are sudden crises (anything over 500 oiled birds), when every available volunteer is needed to help with washing the hundreds of penguins that are brought to the project to be cleansed of oil.
Releases take place weekly and birds are released on a Whale-watching trip close to Robben Island. Robben Island is home to one of the largest African Penguin colonies in the world.
On your first day at the center you will receive your work schedule, typical daily hours are 8am – 5pm, with 2 days off per week. Any additional days off will need to be requested prior to your arrival.
- Accommodation is provided in a hostel close to the rescue centre. A single room is provided along with a food allowance of 800 South African Rand for the minimum 6-week programme. Your accommodation starts from the first Monday of the programme. If you arrive earlier, please book alternative accommodation. Click here to book.
- You can join the programme on the 1st Monday of each month
- Minimum duration is 6 weeks to a maximum of 1 year
An interesting sightseeing or activity tour of the Cape Town region is included in your programme. You could cycle down Table Mountain, go tasting in the winelands, watch whales, seals and penguins or explore a township community. Read about the tours here and then make your choice on the online application form.
- Flights are not included
- An arrival transfer is included if you arrive on the Monday that your programme starts.
- If you arrive earlier, we can arrange an airport transfer and hostel accommodation until your programme starts (transfer £15, single room £15 per night).
- All efforts are made to provide accommodation in walking distance to the centre, however, if this is not possible, you will be required to make use of public transport where available.
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age 18 yrs
- No specific animal care skills are required, as all training will be given on site. Volunteers must be prepared to work hard, especially if an oil spill crisis occurs, and be happy with working outdoors in a wet environment to a large extent. There is no level of fitness required, other than to be able to work a 4hour shift, and to be able to hold a bird securely.
- Volunteers should not be pregnant.
- The greatest attribute you can posses is flexibility and a willingness to get involved.
- Please be aware that in addition to covering transport and accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project.
- Minimum duration is 6 weeks and costs £1200
- If you wish to stay for longer, then you may extend your stay by the week. Additional cost for 1 week is £135.
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