It is that time of year where you can waddle with the penguins at the 11th annual Simon’s Town SANCCOB Penguin Festival, once again taking place at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town on Saturday, 12 October 2013.
African Penguin Awareness Day – Penguin Beach Release
Date: 12 October 2013
Time: 10h00-11h00
Location: Seaforth Beach, Simon’s Town
Hosted annually by SANCCOB and South African National Parks (SANParks), The Simon’s Town Penguin Festival begins with the beach release of rescued African penguins back into the wild.
The beach release will kick off the festivities and will take place at Seaforth Beach in Simon’s Town at 10h00. Should you wish to witness this moving event, parking can be found at the Seaforth beach parking area. A popular event for the local residents of Simon’s Town – it is best to arrive early.
African Penguin at Simon’s Town .Photo: Viv, Scenic South
Be part of the action from the V&A Waterfront – penguin release and meet-a-penguin event
Date: 12 October 2013
Time: 9h30-11h30
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
This year we’re bringing the experience closer to Cape Town audiences by streaming the release live to the V&A Waterfront amphitheater where attendees will also get the opportunity to meet a real live ambassador penguin on stage. Come and experience a release of a large group of rehabilitated African penguins back into the wild as we stream it live on the big screen directly from Simon’s Town. Learn about SANCCOB’s amazing conservation efforts with African penguins and seabirds; and get the opportunity to meet one of SANCCOB’s very own ambassador penguins.
Penguin Festival
Date: 12 October 2013
Time: 11h00-15h00
Location: Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant, Simon’s Town
A fun-filled day of festivities, including environmental exhibition stalls, snake and raptor show, games for the family, raffles, food stalls, and the kids can meet the SANCCOB Ambassador Penguin. In addition to these and other live shows, The Ultimate Braai Master, sponsored by Pick ‘n Pay, SASSI Celebrity Chef challenge of cooking sustainable seafood is not to be missed. The festival will be filled with plenty of fun and games and great prizes to be won for the whole family.
The festival and its various activities can be found at the parking area at the end of Bellevue Road, Simon’s Town.
SANCCOB Benefit Auction
Date: 30 October 2013
Time: 18h00-22h30
Location: The Commodore Hotel, Waterfront
To conclude Penguin Month, SANCCOB has partnered with SANParks, ARG Design and the Commodore Hotel to host the 11th annual SANCCOB Benefit Auction on Wednesday 30 October. Be a part of this prestigious event with South African comedian and master of ceremonies, Nik Rabinowitz, together with hosts, Michelle and Riaan Garforth-Venter. The event celebrates the work of SANCCOB and its conservation partners in the rescue and conservation of African penguins. Enjoy an evening of dinner paired with wine accompanied by an auction for an excellent cause.
Tickets for the auction cost R250 per person and include a welcome drink, canapés and a three course meal with paired wines. Limited tickets are available and should be booked by emailing or calling before 18 October 2013.
For further information about the Simon’s Town Penguin Festival, email Monique Ruthenberg on or call .
For further information on the Gala Auction contact SANCCOB by email: or call .
History of African Penguin Conservation
In the early 1900s there were nearly 3 million breeding pairs in the world. The current statistics have dropped to only 24 000 breeding pairs – globally. Last year Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in the Table Mountain National Park housed approximately 3800 penguins, and this year there are currently 2500 penguins.
What can you do to help?
There are a few ways in which the public can help in the conservation of African penguins:
- Adopt a penguin from SANCCOB
- Support the annual Penguin Festival on 12 October 2013.
- Download SANCCOB’s See the Reality Campaign Posters
- Join and post your news on the Facebook page, tell your friends and invite them to join the African Penguin Awareness Day Facebook community.
- Report injured penguins and/or oiled birds to SANCCOB by calling
- Keep our environment clean from pollutants, stop illegal dumping and irresponsible development close to breeding grounds
- Be cautious when entering National Parks and natural areas where penguins and other wildlife roam.
Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Cape Region Communications
Tel: