Dear SANCCOB Partners

SANCCOB has a new Chief Executive Officer! The Board of Directors has appointed Natalie Maskell to lead SANCCOB and with nine years as Chief Operating Officer and Business Manager at SANCCOB, she has already played an important role in our achievements over the last decade. Dr Stephen van der Spuy leaves a legacy with the present and past staff, funders and collaborating partners, and will be missed by many. 
Read messages from our Chairperson, Stephen and Natalie here.

News on the African penguin chicks at SANCCOB Gqeberha
Since the 94 African penguin chicks were admitted to our Gqeberha Centre on 20 August, we have successfully released 38 back to Bird Island on 11 September, after just three weeks of intensive care and nutritious feeds. Sadly, there were mortalities in the first week. There have been positive cases of Malaria and Babesia but the birds are generally progressing well. As with such rescue operations, we are always prepared and immediately move into response mode but there are unplanned costs that are incurred. The support from donors and volunteers have been heart-warming and we are grateful to all who have come forward to assist us. We are still in need of financial support to cover the tons of fish for feeding, medication, and rehabilitation provided. Special thanks to Raggy Charters for assisting with our transport needs to and from the Island.
Donations can be made here or by EFT directly to SANCCOB's bank account. Please select SANCCOB Gqeberha Chick Rescue from the list.

Responders equipped with a 'Go Bag' by AZA SAFE
A 'Go Bag' is an emergency-preparedness bag that is packed in advance, but hope you never need. These bags are useful in situations that require a hasty response to a seabird emergency such as an oil spill or a mass abandonment incident. Each SANCCOB responder has been carefully identified to receive a Go Bag which forms part of our preparedness strategy. Each bag contains essential items to respond to an emergency incident, including personal protective equipment, stationery, first aid kit, flash light, power bank and other items which will be useful in the first 48 hours of a response.
Thank you to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums SAFE African penguin Disaster Response Project for funding this important work.
 
Virtual Penguin Run
Our annual 5km Virtual Penguin Run on 24 September is fast approaching and for just R50 to participate, you can run, walk, or waddle in a penguin-themed outfit wherever you are in the world. Stand a chance to receive a penguin adoption by posting your photos on social media. Remember to tag us on your posts to get our attention. Donate your R50 hereto be considered for a gift. 

African Penguin Awareness Day is on 9 October
In celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day, our Cape Town and Gqeberha centres will host a variety of activities in October.

• Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Sunrise Walk at SANCCOB Gqeberha on Saturday, 9 October at 06h00, from the centre to the Cape Recife Lighthouse and back. Participation fee is R50 and includes an opportunity to tour the Centre and view our seabirds undergoing rehabilitation, buy festive gifts from the SANCCOB shop or have a warm cup of coffee and treat at the Flying Penguin Café. Marine Week activities in October will include visits to schools and an education webinar in collaboration with the Sustainable Seas Trust. Contact xola.tsewu@sanccob.co.za for more information.

• Cape Town, Western Cape

Based in Table View, our Cape Town Centre will offer half-price tours on 8 and 9 October, and exhibit a variety of information tables and family-friendly activities. Tours are on the hour every hour and start at 9am, with the last tour from 3pm to 4pm. Come and meet the teams behind the scenes. Booking is essential for social distance practices so please contact Alex at Alex@sanccob.co.za to choose your preferred time and follow our social media platforms for updates. 

SAVE-THE-DATE for our 2021 AGM
SANCCOB's Annual General Meeting will be hosted online via Zoom on Wednesday, 10 November 2021, at 7pm GMT+2. Invitations to members and partners will be sent out from 20 September, and the registration link will be shared in our next mailer.
 

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How to Get Involved

• Every month we add our latest penguin patients to our adoption gallery for you to spoil yourself or loved ones with a special gift. Adopt and name a penguin online and receive your certificate of adoption immediately via email.
• Visit our Online Shop for the coolest t-shirts, softest plush toys and all things penguin.
• Get in touch with Brittany at volunteers@sanccob.co.zafor volunteer and internship opportunities at our centres in Cape Town and Gqeberha.
• Select SANCCOB as one of your three beneficiaries on your MySchool loyalty card and we will benefit from every swipe you make at participating retailers.

• Become a SANCCOB Memberand add your voice to seabird conservation (special rates available for senior citizens). Email tonia@sanccob.co.za for more information.
• Leave a gift in your Will to SANCCOB and let us know your intention so we can connect and make sure your legacy lives on via SANCCOB. Contact tonia@sanccob.co.za.
• Start your own fundraising drive for SANCCOB on Backabuddy and set a target to encourage family and friends to help you meet it. 

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  Stay connected! Together, we are making an impact for future generations to have the privilege of knowing seabirds in their lifetime.

Regards from the SANCCOB Team