The KruShan Foundation, led by Kruger and Shannon du Plessis, has been a crucial partner for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and its African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, in the fight to save the critically endangered African Penguin and support marine conservation efforts in the Overstrand region. From funding a Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island to supporting medical care at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), their generosity continues to make a significant impact in Marine Dynamics’ efforts as the custodians of the Great Dyer Island Ecosystem.
Protecting Penguins with a Seabird Ranger
The KruShan Foundation’s commitment to penguin conservation was recently highlighted when they secured funding to provide a dedicated Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island for 2023 and 2024. This vital role helps safeguard African Penguins and other seabirds, ensuring round-the-clock protection and monitoring. The ranger’s efforts are part of broader conservation initiatives designed to reverse the alarming decline of the African Penguin population, with a particular focus on Dyer Island’s critical habitat.
The foundation’s support is instrumental in protecting this iconic species and the health of the surrounding marine ecosystem.
According to Kruger: “We volunteer our time to our foundation so that funds go directly to maximize the protection of this iconic species. I grew up in South Africa and want generations to come to be able to enjoy seeing the African penguins in the wild. We were impressed with APSS from our first visit and will continue to support their heartfelt work to save the African penguins from extinction.”
The APSS team getting training!
A New Era in Animal Care: The African Penguin Protectors KruShan Foundation X-Ray Room
The KruShan Foundation has recently made a groundbreaking donation to support the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary’s medical capabilities. Recognizing the urgent need for better diagnostic tools, they generously funded the purchase of a portable X-ray machine and related equipment. The new facility at the APSS, will be the first of its kind in the Overstrand region, offering critical care for all animals in need of emergency diagnostics, especially seabirds and penguins.
Previously, any seabird or penguin requiring an X-ray had to be transported to a facility in Hermanus, a 40-minute journey that often exacerbated the animals’ stress, sometimes leading to their deterioration or death. With this new equipment, the APSS will be able to provide immediate, on-site diagnoses, reducing the risk to these vulnerable creatures and improving survival rates.
The X-ray room has been proudly named the African Penguin Protectors KruShan Foundation X-Ray Room in recognition of the foundation’s incredible contribution to fully equip the facility.
Making a Meaningful Impact
“The KruShan Foundation’s support continues to transform our ability to protect and care for the animals at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary,” said Christine Wessels, spokesperson for Marine Dynamics. “Whether through the Seabird Ranger initiative on Dyer Island or the life-saving X-ray facility, their contributions make a tangible difference in the fight to prevent the extinction of the African Penguin and preserve marine life.”
Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, added, “The KruShan Foundation is assisting us to act now, and actively making every cent donated count, benefiting the penguins—not the people who are using the critically endangered status of the African Penguin to earn bigger salaries by pledging for more money to research penguins to extinction!”
The KruShan Foundation’s dedication to conservation is a model for others to follow. Thanks to their generosity, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary can now offer enhanced medical care and protection for endangered seabirds in the region.
Senior Bird Rehabilitator Xolani Lawu, getting X-Ray machine training.
For Shannon, it was love at first sight when she first visited South Africa and met our African Penguins:
“I’ve loved the African penguins since my first trip to South Africa in 2010. To help APSS in their work to save them from extinction is a privilege. Something magical happens when people who love a species unite to protect it.”
For more information or to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, contact the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary today, or book your Shark- and Whale Tour at www.marinedynamics.co.za.
KruShan Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated solely to protecting the critically endangered African penguin. You can learn more about KruShan Foundation here.
