In these very uncertain times for the critically endangered African Penguin, of which only 1% of the population remains, teetering on the brink of total extinction, there are occasionally glimmers of hope for those who fight daily to save the species. This December, such a glimmer shone for the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai.

The safe haven for injured and sick seabirds was established 10 years ago by Wilfred Chivell, marine conservationist and eco-tourism operator. Marine Dynamics offers seal swims, cage diving with sharks, whale watching, and Marine Big 5 eco-tours.

“There was a strong need to establish a hospital and facility here in Gansbaai, with experienced seabird rehabilitators and a permanent vet to care for penguins and other seabirds daily,” says Wilfred. “Previously, I used to travel back and forth to SANCCOB in Table View, but that is very traumatic for any animal!” Over the past ten years, APSS has rescued, treated, rehabilitated, and released hundreds of penguins and other seabirds on Dyer Island, or accepted them as permanent residents — for those unable to survive in the wild, such as Sandy, left blind after a dog bite, and Lucia, whose coordination is slightly impaired and swims only in circles.

However, this work requires 24/7 staffing from Marine Dynamics and its Dyer Island Conservation Trust, including APSS — and this December was no different! Visitors from all over the Overstrand called in to report seals, dolphins, sharks, and penguins — some dead, others entangled in fishing lines — and each time a dedicated team member responded immediately to help, or, if the animal was deceased, to collect scientific samples for analysis and research.

Wilfred says, “It is wonderful when the public and visitors go out of their way to support the conservation work we do. Especially at year’s end, when our energy is low, and everyone is a bit conservation-fatigued, an influx of tourists visiting the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, making donations, or going on Marine Dynamics eco-tours gives us hope again!”

And so Chris and Wimpie, who moved from Gauteng to Gansbaai two years ago, became a ray of hope for the African Penguin between 12 and 24 December 2025.

The couple had already, eight years ago in Gauteng, begun transforming their home into a Christmas light wonderland. The public was invited to make donations, which went to a charity of their choice. “Every December we also held a Christmas three-course dinner, where the entrance fee was a gift for a specific person to make them feel special, someone living on the street or who could not afford it. Each year, about 80 children and adults benefited from the project,” they explain.

When they moved to Gansbaai in 2023, they decided to continue the tradition, with up to 200 people coming at a time to enjoy the lights.

Chris and Wimpie chose this festive season to benefit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary through visitor donations. Just under R10,000 was raised to help our critically endangered African Penguins at APSS — a wonderful boost to start 2026!

“Why do we do this? Because it warms our hearts to see the children and adults enjoying the lights and treats, and this year some families came to see it up to three times!”

Chris and Wimpie also decided to give penguin houses as Christmas gifts for friends and colleagues this year! The unique penguin houses are made at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Gansbaai and sent to other African Penguin colonies, from here all the way to Namibia. These houses simulate the original guano “burrows” penguins dug for themselves, their eggs, and chicks, protecting them from sun, rain, and predators. Since the guano from all colonies was harvested years ago for fertiliser, the penguin houses are a lifeline for the African Penguin!

A huge thank you to Dauberts for your care and efforts! You two were truly the star on the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary Christmas tree!

If you would like to support APSS, please email: [email protected]
You can also sponsor your own penguin house on Dyer Island: https://dict.org.za/donate/

Christine Wessels
[email protected]