SANCCOB Penguin Festival

The African penguin needs your support!

African Penguins are the emblem of Simon’s Town, they are the image you think of when someone mentions this little seaside village. On Saturday, 8 October 2016 the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is hosting its annual Penguin Festival at the Simon’s Town Navy Sports Field.

The African penguin is an endangered species, which is surprisingly not common knowledge, and this festival is dedicated to raising money and awareness for the on-going penguin conservation efforts. Talk about a good cause! The African penguin is the only penguin that is endemic to Southern Africa and in fact, worldwide the whole day is dedicated to the plight of the little black and white penguin.

On Saturday, 8 October, the Navy Sports Field in Simon’s Town will be transformed into a family-friendly penguin themed paradise. The day officially starts at 10am at the beach right next to the sport field, with the release of the rehabilitated African penguins. They’ll waddle their way back to the ocean after being taken care of by SANCCOB for the last while. SANCCOB have revealed that they admit over 1500 ill or injured African penguins every year.

FIVE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH SANCCOB

Adopt and name a penguin: That’s right! Take one of these little fellas under your wing and get to tell your friends that you are the proud mama or papa to the cutest breed of penguin this side of the equator.

Report injured or ill penguins: If you see an injured penguin or sea bird be sure to report it to SANCCOB so they can come to the rescue like the heroes they are.

Donate: Donation is a simple thing, and yet it helps so much. SANCCOB provide food and medical help to ill or injured sea birds, and that all costs money. Every little bit counts and these birds will be more than grateful (in spirit, they can’t talk).

Buy goodies at the SANCCOB online shop: Everyone loves penguins, so for the next birthday on your calendar, head over to the online shop and buy something penguin themed! The money goes to a worthy cause and penguins are adorable. Who can be mad at a penguin gift? Answer? A monster.

Volunteer: Aside from money, more hands are always appreciated by SANCCOB. They need help looking after the birds they are rehabilitating, and it’s the perfect thing to do on the weekend or even while you’re on holiday.

On the day, the festival will be filled with activities for kids, live music, and even exhibits by various marine conservation organisations. For the adults there will be wine tasting, craft beer, a cooking demonstration and yummy food provided by various local food trucks. Kids will get the chance to meet a real penguin, take part in a mini-soccer tournament, watch a puppet show, enjoy mini rides, and inflatable obstacle course and more!

ENTRANCE TO THE 2016 PENGUIN FESTIVAL AT THE SIMON’S TOWN NAVY SPORTS FIELD

Entrance to the annual Penguin Festival is free! That’s right, absolutely free. You can access both the entertainment tent and the exhibition tent for free, but entry to the Kids Zone costs R100 per child. You can’t put a price on your child’s happiness, but if you could, it would be R100. For more info, please contact the organisers directly on +27 (0)21 557 6155.

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