African Penguin

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About The African Penguin Volunteer Program

Program Details

Since 1968 there has been active penguin rescue organisations that have been there to help with oiled sea birds in the Western Cape. These penguin rescue centre's have helped to treat over 81,000 seabirds, in particular the African Penguin, which is classified as "Vulnerable" in the Red Data Book. Recent research proves that the African Penguin population is 19% higher today than it would have been in the absence of these penguin rescue organisations.

It costs about R2 million to stay open each year. If there is an oil spill, this figure escalates drastically. They have more than 800 local volunteers on their database and during 2005 their volunteers worked over 15 966 hours!

Benefits of being a penguin volunteer

Volunteers can give something back to the environment and learn about sea bird rehabilitation
Volunteers develop skills in teamwork and meet new people
Volunteers can add this work experience to their CV or resume
Volunteers receive training certificates and a letter of reference

Accommodation

Dormitory style rooms with shared bathroom facilities at a centrally located Backpackers Lodge in Tableview, within walking distance to the african penguin volunteer program, shops, pubs and restaurants.

What will you do?

A weekly schedule could include work in the following areas: Administering fluids to the birds; Clean pens; Prepare fish; Feed and give fluids; Clean pools; Write up cards and prepare feeding lists for the next day; Test birds; Weigh birds; Bleed birds; Analyse blood smears; Determine which birds are ready for release; Get release boxes ready; Prepare for release; Vitamins and upgrading; Ringing.

Centre Duty - When we are busy, one volunteer per day will be assigned to cleaning the centre, including the bathrooms. We will try to ensure that international volunteers do not have centre duty more than once a week. Although centre duty is not bird work, it is an essential part of our daily routine. The volunteers responsible for centre duty are also responsible for keeping the front gates closed, preparing fish and assisting where-ever required.