SANCCOB Celebrates Record Number of African Penguin Hatchlings!

More than 150 little penguins have hatched at SANCCOB’s nursery, and it’s a record-breaking milestone for a critically endangered species.

South Africa (26 February 2026) – Busy times at the seabird nursery! The team at SANCCOB currently have their hands and their hearts full.

In a record-breaking moment for African Penguin conservation, they’ve announced that more than 150 chicks have hatched. This is the highest number of hatchlings ever recorded in a single season at the SANCCOB nursery.

With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs of African Penguins left in the wild, it’s the happiest news!

“This season, more than 150 African Penguin chicks have hatched at SANCCOB’s nursery, the highest number of hatchlings we have ever recorded in a single season.” the organisation shares. “At a time when African Penguin numbers in the wild continue to decline, this milestone shows what focused conservation action can achieve.”

It’s all a result of the tireless dedication staff and volunteers put into caring for and hand-rearing every single egg and every little chick. That work wouldn’t be possible without SANCCOB’s ambassadors, partners, and supporters.

It’s all worth it. Eventually, once they’re old enough, every penguin will be released – they’ll waddle off and zip into the big blue where they belong.

“More chicks mean more birds that will one day return to the ocean and strengthen wild populations.”

For now, SANCCOB’s nursery is operating around the clock and running on pure adorableness!

If you’d like to support the cause, there are many ways to do so. Donate directly, ‘adopt’ a penguin, or reach out to SANCCOB to find out more about becoming a volunteer.

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