African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary

About African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary

Gansbaai is one of the Western Cape's little treasures; popular for a number of water activities, not least of all, the shark cage diving on offer. This is also the scenic seaside home of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, situated in Kleinbaai. This sanctuary was established by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust for the protection and rehabilitation of the beautiful birds to which the Western Cape is home.

The African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary was initially set up for the African penguins of Dyer Island, which are endangered. This island is classified as an Important Bird Area. Sadly, the last few decades have seen a major decline in the colonies' population numbers. In fact, almost 90% of the African penguins that once lived here have disappeared.

At first, the sanctuary was set up solely to rehabilitate marine birds that had been injured. Over time, though, there arose the need to create awareness amongst the public, whether local South Africans or international tourists, about the challenges that the marine wildlife of this country are facing. This, in turn, enables funds to be raised and volunteers to be involved in the incredible initiatives that are currently underway.

The Auditorium is a spacious facility at the sanctuary that is equipped with a big screen television for a live viewing of what is happening in the rehabilitation area, which includes the bird hospital and the clinic that is attached to it, where all of the testing of samples, and so on, is performed.

Entrance to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is free, but donations are welcome. In fact, these donations and sponsorships are the key to the success of this initiative and to the ongoing protection and rehabilitation of the animals. Gansbaai is only a little over two hours away from the Mother City and the Cape Town International Airport.