SANCCOB Cape Town Needs Your Help
Our coastline is home to a range of seabirds, including African penguins, Cape cormorants and other species that depend on conservation efforts to survive. If you live in Cape Town and want to help protect our marine wildlife, you can volunteer at SANCCOB in Table View to make a difference.
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) rescues, rehabilitates and releases seabirds in need of care. Its work relies on a team of people who give their time and skills to support bird rehabilitation and the daily running of its centres.
And you do not need to be a marine biologist to get involved!
What Does Volunteering at SANCCOB Involve?
SANCCOB’s local volunteer programme welcomes people who want to contribute to seabird conservation. Volunteers assist with daily tasks that support the rehabilitation team and help ensure that rescued birds receive the care they need.
Depending on the centre’s requirements and the tasks assigned, volunteers may assist with seabird rehabilitation, cleaning and feeding birds. Other duties include collecting and transporting seabirds, general maintenance, answering phones, helping with educational tours, and supporting marketing and fundraising activities.
Every task plays a part in the bigger picture. From helping maintain the facilities to supporting bird care, volunteers help SANCCOB continue its work with seabirds in need.
You can contribute through practical work, administration, education or fundraising. There are different ways to get involved, depending on the centre’s needs and your skills.
Why Seabird Conservation Matters
Seabirds face a range of threats, including pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, habitat loss and changes in food availability. Injured, sick or distressed birds may need specialist care before they can return to the wild.
SANCCOB provides care for seabirds that need assistance, including African penguins and other seabird species. Its rehabilitation work gives birds the opportunity to recover and, where possible, return to their natural environment.
Volunteers help support this work by taking on daily operational tasks, allowing the rehabilitation team to focus on caring for the birds.
By giving your time, you can contribute to the conservation of the seabirds that form part of South Africa’s coastal ecosystems.
Who Can Volunteer?
SANCCOB’s local volunteer programme is open to people aged 18 and older who live permanently in the Cape Peninsula or the local Eastern Cape surrounds, depending on the centre.
Half-day and full-day shifts are available on weekdays and over weekends, making it possible to fit volunteering around work and other commitments.
Volunteers support a range of operational activities, and the duties assigned depend on the needs of the centre. Prospective volunteers should review the Cape Town programme requirements before applying.
Ready to Lend a Wing?
If you live in Cape Town, care about wildlife and want to contribute to seabird conservation, consider volunteering at SANCCOB’s Table View centre.
You could help with bird care, assist with cleaning and maintenance, support educational activities or contribute your skills to administration and fundraising. Whatever role you take on, your time can help support the people working to give seabirds a second chance.
Visit sanccob.co.za to learn more about the local volunteer programme and how to apply.
Our seabirds need people willing to step up and help. If you have time to spare, why not put it to good use?
Give your time. Support seabird rescue. Help keep our coastline flying.
