Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)

African penguins, photo courtesy Paul Mannix

Working with seabirds
Since 1968 more than 85 000 seabirds have been taken in and treated by the dedicated staff at Cape Town’s Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob). Their sustained efforts over the past 40-plus years have resulted in the organisation becoming an internationally recognised leader in seabird rehabilitation.

Saving our future
Sanccob is a non-profit centre based at 22 Pentz Drive in Cape Town’s Table View. The organisation aims to conserve and protect South Africa’s seabirds, especially threatened species, for the benefit of present and future generations. Sanccob’s role entails the rehabilitation of oiled, injured and sick birds, rearing of orphaned birds and raising conservation awareness through environmental education.

Tour
A 45-minute “behind the scenes” tour of the facility includes a video about the MV Treasure oil spill, a walk through the preparation area, wash bay, intensive care unit and outside bird pens.

Opening hours
Sanccob is open on weekdays from 08h00-17h00 for private visitors. All guided tours must be pre-booked at a cost of R40 for adults and R20 for children and pensioners. The best times to visit are from 09h30-10h30 and 14h30-15h30, around feeding times.

You may also be interested to read more about birding in Cape Town.