In 2023, the African penguin population is below 10,000 breeding pairs. Historically, poaching and guano collection initiated their decline. Now they face issues of predation, oiling, marine pollution, and lack of fish for hunting.

Our penguin conservation projects fall under the Biodiversity Management Plan to halt the decline of the species. We work in partnership with CapeNature, the managing authority of Dyer Island. Since 2006, we have placed over 2000 nest boxes to provide protection from predation and improve fledgling success. A new model was rolled out in partnership with the Save Animals from Extinction (SAFE) programme managed by the Association for Zoos & Aquaria, and in consultation with penguin colony managers as part of a Habitat Working group.

We opened the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in 2015. This is a custom-designed, world class, marine bird rehabilitation centre in the Overstrand area, providing temporary care to marine birds focusing on African Penguins. Releasing chicks on Dyer Island is a priority in order to rebuild the island population. All birds release with transponders for improved monitoring.