Volunteering in the seabird project

About the Penguin and Seabird Project in Cape Town
Your place of work is a sanctuary for various species of seabirds. The facility is located in a lagoon area in Cape Town, about 15 kilometers from the city center. Here you will take care of the well-being of the seabirds that have been admitted. Endangered penguins, albatrosses, petrels and skuas are treated in the rehabilitation center. The aim of the project is to care for endangered and sick seabirds in order to return them to the wild after they have recovered. With your support in the protective measures, the situation of South African seabirds can be sustainably improved.

Your tasks in the projects
During your volunteer work, you will work both indoors and outdoors. For example, you will work directly by the sea and in the lagoon. Your tasks are therefore varied. Especially at the beginning of your volunteer work, you will mainly work indoors in the facility, which is not directly by the sea. Your tasks include, for example, preparing food. Since seabirds mainly feed on fresh fish, you are responsible for defrosting and portioning the food. But you also take care of sick animals. Therefore, hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of germs and the development of diseases. By cleaning and disinfecting the animal enclosures, mats and pools, you are making an enormous contribution to the animals' recovery! You can also help with catching injured animals, feeding and caring for the animals. Once you have gained experience in this, you can also work on the beach and in the sea. Here you will also support the staff in securing the penguin breeding sites or reintroducing recovered animals into the wild, as needed. It is therefore important that you approach your volunteer work with caution, understanding and care.

Your daily routine in the project
Your working day as a volunteer begins at around 8 o'clock. You will be equipped in advance by your contact person and can then explore the animals' area. You usually work until 5 o'clock, with a break in between. Your working week consists of 5 days.