On the Brink: The Fight to Protect Africa’s Penguins

Summary

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Robin’s Nest: "On the Brink — The Fight to Protect Africa’s Penguins"

Host: Dr. Robin Ganzert
Guest: CJ Haberman, Center Manager at SANCCOB, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Date: April 27, 2026

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Episode Overview

This special episode of Robin’s Nest centers on the urgent fight to save the African penguin, the most critically endangered penguin species on earth. Dr. Robin Ganzert speaks with CJ Haberman, who leads SANCCOB’s frontline seabird rescue efforts in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. They delve into the threats these penguins face, successful and ongoing conservation initiatives, and the critical role public support and global collaboration play in the fight for survival.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introducing SANCCOB and Nelson Mandela Bay

• CJ’s Background & SANCCOB’s Mission

  • CJ shares his role as SANCCOB’s center manager and describes the organization as “the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds,” dedicated to reversing seabird declines—especially the African penguin—for present and future generations.
  • [02:56] CJ: “We work tirelessly around the clock to protect our seabird species…providing the top quality care that they need, and then we release them back into the wild.”

• Bay’s Biodiversity & Challenges

  • Nelson Mandela Bay, also known as Algoa Bay, is a hub of marine and terrestrial diversity and home to the second-largest African penguin colony. But this environment is under threat from commercial ports and industrial activity.

Why African Penguins Are in Crisis

• Critical Endangerment & Extinction Timeline

  • The African penguin is the only one of the 18 penguin species classified as critically endangered.
  • [04:08] CJ: “Out of the 18 different penguin species worldwide, the African penguin is the only penguin species that has got critically endangered species status.”
  • Extinction is predicted by 2035—just 10 years away.
  • [04:22] CJ: “To put it in perspective, it's 3199 days until the 1st of January, 2035. And that's the year of extinction.”

• Main Threats: Food Scarcity, Overfishing, and Shipping

  • The drastic decline is primarily due to a shortage of their staple food—sardines and anchovies—because of overfishing, unregulated fishing, and climate change.
  • Additional threats include noise pollution from busy ports and adverse effects of maritime shipping.
  • [05:23] CJ: “Sardine numbers have plummeted over the years…with overfishing, coastline fishing, unregulated fishing, coupled with climate change…and…noise pollution has an impact on these colonies.”

Conservation Victories & Ongoing Advocacy

• Establishing ‘No-Fishing’ Zones

  • A major recent legal win: SANCCOB and partners expanded no-fishing zones by 4,000 km² around key breeding colonies.
  • [05:58] CJ: “We’ve got an additional 4,000 square kilometers of no fish zones…we’ve got 10 years of no fishing. So we’ll see what these 10 years show us.”

• Changing Shipping Practices:

  • Advocacy is focused on shifting shipping lanes and stopping or relocating ‘bunkering’—refueling at sea, which occurs close to penguin colonies and accelerates decline.
    • Population at St. Croix island plummeted from 8,500 to 700 breeding pairs since bunkering began in 2015—one of the fastest declines for any species.
    • [07:41] CJ: “…between 2015 and 2023, that population crashed from 8,500 breeding pairs to just over 700…that’s the fastest decline of a species in such a short time frame.”
  • The solution is clear but requires policy shifts and industry cooperation.
    • [08:14] Dr. Robin: “…that sounds like a pretty easy policy solution, am I right?”

• Indicator Species & Ecosystem Warning

  • The African penguin is an indicator species; their decline is a red flag for the wider marine ecosystem.
  • [08:47] CJ (analogy): “If your check oil light…is flashing on your dashboard…If you ignore that light, your car’s going to crash…that is what a penguin is doing…saying there’s a lot happening in the marine life that needs work before the system collapse.”

Rescue and Rehabilitation at SANCCOB

• How Sick and Injured Penguins Are Rescued

  • SANCCOB staff and interns, in collaboration with veterinarians, follow strict protocols and standards for care, beginning with field triage and continuing through to release.
  • [10:02] CJ: “Bird care is prominent…when the bird comes into our center, we’ve got trained up staff, interns, and volunteers…to work with the vets and give that bird the care that is needed.”

• Personal Stories of Penguin Residents

  • Each rescued penguin has a personality and story; ambassador birds help educate the public.
    • Batman: a blind female who recognizes caregivers by their voices.
    • Samreck: “the entertainer,” mischievous and playful.
    • [11:12] CJ: “It’s very hard not to love a penguin…they are iconic species, and it’s hard not to love them…”

The Call to Action: Global Humane’s Pledge & Community Involvement

• Grant Announcement: Funding for a New Penguin Hospital

  • Dr. Robin announces a new grant: 3.8 million South African rand (with a matching campaign in US dollars) to help build a new SANCCOB hospital, providing vital, humane, science-based care for penguins.
    • [15:00] Dr. Robin: “We’re so proud to offer a grant today to kick off a new hospital for your important work…your $1 will be matched…so we can finish building this very important hospital.”

• Why Collaboration Matters

  • CJ emphasizes that none of this work can be done in isolation; partnerships and public engagement are key.
    • [16:41] CJ: “…the grant that’ll go towards our secret hospital is literally life and death…it brings the equipment and facility space…needed to give these birds the top care and love that they deserve.”

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• CJ on Timeline to Extinction
  “To put it in perspective, it’s 3199 days until the 1st of January, 2035. And that’s the year of extinction.” — [04:22]

• Dr. Robin on Urgency
  “My grandchildren won’t have the opportunity to see and to witness these penguins in nature or in the wild.” — [15:25]

• CJ on Indicator Species
  “If your check oil light…is flashing on your dashboard…If you ignore that light, your car’s going to crash…that is what a penguin is doing.” — [08:47]

• On Rescue Stories
  “Batman…she’s a girl, she’s blind. She recognizes the rehabbers by their voice…Samreck…always gives a show…also very mischievous.” — [11:12]

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Key Timestamps

• 01:17 — CJ introduces himself and SANCCOB’s mission
• 04:08 — African penguin’s critically endangered status explained
• 05:23 — Causes of penguin population decline detailed
• 05:58 — Recent legal victory for no-fishing zones
• 07:06 — Explanation of “bunkering” and its dangers
• 07:41 — St. Croix population crash
• 08:47 — Analogy: Penguins as indicator species
• 10:02 — SANCCOB’s rescue and care protocols described
• 11:12 — Profiles of penguin ambassadors Batman and Samreck
• 15:00 — Dr. Robin announces Global Humane’s grant for a new hospital
• 16:41 — CJ on the impact of collaboration and the grant

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Takeaways & Action Steps

• The African penguin’s fate reflects the larger health of marine systems; crisis for them signals crisis for oceans.
• Policy victories show positive change is possible, but time is desperately short: public support, education, and fundraising are critical.
• Every donation toward SANCCOB’s new penguin hospital will be matched, making contributions doubly powerful.
• Community engagement, both locally and globally, is vital—visit, support, learn, share, and advocate for policy changes.

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If you care about wildlife, this episode emphasizes that now is the time to act. Every day—and every penguin—counts.

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Transcript

[A]

Today on Robin's Nest, we're joined by CJ Haberman, the center manager at Sanccob in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. CJ Leads one of the world's most vital seabird rescue and rehabilitation centers, protecting endangered African penguins and other coastal birds from threats such as injury, oil spills and other environmental challenges. He'll take us behind the scenes of this life saving conservation work, showing how dedication, science, compassion and love come together to give these incredible creatures a much needed second chance. Welcome to Robin's Nest. Many of us feel a deep bond with animals, from the pets we cherish at home to the endangered species in nature. Join us for lively, informative conversations where together we will build a more humane world. Well, today we are in beautiful Nelson Mandela Bay and isn't this just an exquisite backdrop? Surfers, ships, and of course, my good friend CJ with Sanccob. CJ I'm so glad to have you in Robin's Nest today. Our nest is outside. It's pretty special, isn't it?

[B]

It is amazing.

[A]

But this is also your home.

[B]

It is.

[A]

So, C.J. please tell everybody in the nest a little bit about you.

[B]

Perfect. Thank you so much for having me. Yeah, so my name is cj I'm the center manager at the San God Goberja facility. Yeah, I've been with Sancob for four years. And as you said, this is our home and this is the incredible environment we're trying to protect.

[A]

So this environment is beautiful. And a lot of our friends in Robin's Nest have never had the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela Bay. Tell us what is here and where particularly are we in South Africa? Coastline.

[B]

Sure thing. So the bay behind us, as you know, it's referred to as Nelson Mandela Bay or Algoa Bay. It's situated in the town of Ngaberga, previously known as Port Elizabeth, and it's situated in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The bay is incredible. So we are truly blessed to have a very rich biodiversity in terms of marine life and terrestrial life. We've got the Addo Elephant National Marine Protected Area, which is found in our bay. On the plus side, we've also got a lot of coastal islands which are home to our critical seabirds, which we'll discuss later on. On the negative side is there's two operational ports in the harbour and you'll probably see the fishing vessels and the vessels parked in the bay, which obviously has an impact on our bay. But yeah, we have a very rich biodiversity on our doorstep to protect.

[A]

You do a huge biodiversity treasure right in your own backyard with one of the most critically endangered species that I know. When you hear the story, it's going to break your heart. We have such an urgent call to action with today's episode, Friends. Such an urgent call to action, which I want to get right into. But first of all, cj, could you tell us a little bit about the beautiful work of Sanccob?

[B]

Definitely. So Sanccob is the Southern African foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. And our main objective is to reverse the decline of seabird species with specific focus on the critically endangered African penguin, mainly for present and future generations. So we work tirelessly around the clock to protect our seabird species. We have two functional hospitals that we admit birds that need rehabilitation. We look after them, providing the top quality care that they need, and then we release them back into the wild.

[A]

So. But you're releasing them back into the wild that I see. There are, of course, the surfers who are going to love the birds, but I see ships. So talk to me about what has happened to this critically endangered incredible penguin. What has happened and how are the ships involved in this, which are still ever present? So even if you nurse them back to health, what's going to happen with this ship in the background?

[B]

Exactly. So sadly, the African penguin is the most critically endangered out of the 18 different species. It's the only penguin species that has reached critically endangered level.

[A]

Let's just repeat that again and I want to make sure everyone hears that. Say it slow one more time so our listeners can hear this.

[B]

So out of the 18 different penguin species worldwide, the African penguin is the only penguin species that has got critically endangered species status.

[A]

Critically endangered status. So there, I understand, only 10 years left before they will be extinct.

[B]

Correct. So 10 years. To put it in perspective, it's 3199 days until the 1st of January, 2035. And that's the year of extinction. That's when the extinction is predicted.

[A]

Every day counts. Every animal life matters. So tell us, you've got these shipping entities behind us. What are they doing to impact this penguin population that's so precious?

[B]

So the biggest cause of decline is being attributed to just a shortage of fish. So African penguins are very specific of what they eat, so they prefer sardines and anchovies. Sadly, sardine numbers have plummeted over the years. And this is in combination of overfishing, coastline fishing, unregulated fishing, coupled with climate change. So that's the main impact. But then coupled with the noise pollution. So Algoa Bay has Been termed one of the noisiest bays in the world. And we have the second largest colony of African penguin on our doorstep. So obviously the noise of the ships coming in and out have an impact on these colonies.

[A]

So if we were to talk about the sardines and the overfishing, is there an opportunity there to influence policy with fishermen to maybe change some of their fishing practices?

[B]

So there is. So Sancob, together with Birdlife to Africa, we won an incredible litigation last year. So we took the Department of Forestry to court, basically stating that the no fish zones were not big enough. Thankfully, a settlement was reached. And thanks to the tireless effort with Sancob and Verdlaff International, we've got an additional 4,000 square kilometers of no fish zones. Around six key breeding colonies in South Africa.

[A]

Including this one.

[B]

Including this one. So that was gazetted last year, March. And we've got 10 years of no fishing. So we'll see what these 10 years show us.

[A]

And nature can recuperate the sardine population. Correct. Which allows a food, a natural food source for these precious animals.

[B]

Yes, that's the. The goal.

[A]

One victory for the animals. Now, let's talk about what else is needed, friends, so we can activate.

[B]

Yes. So pretty much, we obviously, being in conservation, you can't do it alone. So obviously, collaborations and partnerships such as SANCOP and Global Humane. That's incredible. It just helps create the awareness that we need to bring this incredible, iconic species of penguin into the world. So we want people worldwide, across the globe to say, all right, hang on, guys, we've got an incredible species that is worthy of saving. Help us.

[A]

That's exactly right. And eventually those shipping lanes might be able to be adjusted somewhat too. Right, Correct. So there's a lot of proper encouragement and maybe even some policy.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

By the South African government.

[B]

So a big thing is obviously to change shipping lanes in and out of the harbour, fall in and out of the port. We're also trying to advocate against bunkering that takes place in the bay.

[A]

So tell me what bunkering is.

[B]

So bunkering is whereby ships refuel out at sea so they don't have to come to port to refuel. So that takes place in two separate anchorages in the bay. Sadly, Anchorage 2 is very close to the cibo colonies, so one of the big drivers is to try and move Anchorage 2 away in total

[A]

by moving Anchorage 2 away from the penguin colony. That would save a lot of lives.

[B]

It would.

[A]

And again, every life counts. And we had 3199 days left to save this entire species.

[B]

Exactly. So to put it in perspective, St. Croix island used to have the highest penguin population in the world in 2015. Bunkering started in 2015. So between 2015 and 2023, that population crashed from 8,500 breeding pairs to just over 700. And that's in a matter of St. Croix. So that's the fastest decline of a species in such a short time frame.

[A]

And all it is is a simple shift not to say no to the ships. It's a shift in their location for Anchorage and what you're calling bunkering, which is the refilling and re of these tanks.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Correct, correct, correct. Well, that sounds like a pretty easy policy solution, am I right?

[B]

I hope so.

[A]

And it's something that we can work with these companies to make sure they understand this incredible crisis, especially when we're down to so few days left to save an entire species. St. Croix is a call to action and a warning flag, Right?

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

For what is happening right here.

[B]

Exactly. So, yeah. So African penguins are also known as indicator species. So they're telling us a bigger picture of what is happening in the marine life indicator species.

[A]

Tell us what an indicator species is.

[B]

So these are the species. It's almost like if you picture in your car, to put in a good analogy, if your check oil light or check engine light is flashing on your dashboard, that obviously means something's going on. If you ignore that light, your car's going to crash or your car is going to stop working. So that is what a penguin is doing. So currently with the decline, it's saying there's a lot happening in the marine life that needs work before the system collapse.

[A]

So it's a warning light, friends. It's a warning light for a major crisis is about to occur. And you already have the timeline and we have some policy solutions. Yes, we can move Anchorage and change that shipping lane and that shipping traffic, and we can also reduce some of the noise. And you've already had a huge victory with the sardines as the food source, which I'm so happy about. But there's still more urgent needs.

[B]

There is.

[A]

And cj, you have a beautiful facility where you're providing critical care. I want you to take me into your daily life of when you see a critically endangered species, an individual penguin, be impacted by such trauma, how do you care for an injured penguin?

[B]

So we obviously follow a very stringent, highest quality veterinary and rehabilitation care, thanks to the certification process from wma.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So, yeah, so bird care is prominent. So that's our main focus. So, obviously, when the bird comes into our center, we've got trained up staff, interns, and volunteer. And their main goal is to work with the vets and give that bird the care that is needed.

[A]

So you have veterinarians here to give the bird immediate triage and care.

[B]

Yes. So it starts all the way. So it starts from the colony. So we've got dedicated seabird monitors. So those are Sancob employees that work on the island itself in the colonies. So their main role is to monitor the population. If they find a bird that is needed of care, they'll take the bird in, stabilize it. We then get it sent to our facility, and then it gets further treatment before it's healthy enough to be released back into the wild.

[A]

That's wonderful. So I was just at the facility, and I always. Every time I'm in Port Elizabeth, I come directly to Sanccob because I love it so much. You have 43 birds in residence right now.

[B]

We do.

[A]

Give me a name of one, because I know you name them.

[B]

Yes, we do.

[A]

So tell me a story of one of the beautiful birds.

[B]

So we have. So our permanent residents are obviously, they're part of the family, so. And they. They our ambassadors. So we use them to create awareness with the public and the learners.

[A]

And each one nothing better than a penguin ambassador, though, right, Prince?

[B]

It's very hard not to love a penguin. Yes. So each one has their own personality. So I think the more standout one is obviously she's Batman. So she's. She's a girl, she's blind. So she. She's incredible. So she. She recognizes the. The rehabbers by their voice, so she knows exactly who's who. Then we have Samreck. He's the. The entertainer of everyone. So he always gives a show and he's the first one out, and he's the first one to call. And he's also very mischievous. So he'll try and sneak up to the rehabbers and pecks there. They're all skinned. So he steals a fish.

[A]

He's a naughty penguin.

[B]

He's a naughty one.

[A]

He's what we call spicy. I have a spicy dog who does that. Yes. Mr. Darcy. Yes.

[B]

So, yeah. So it's incredible working with them. Obviously, they are iconic species, and it's hard not to love them. It's like. It's that passion that you have for the bird that drives you.

[A]

Well, you have a lot of passion for coastal birds and particularly this critically endangered species. Again, as CJ said, it's the only one in all 18 penguin species that's critically endangered. And right here in your own backyard.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

I have to pivot because everyone in Robin's Nest always likes to know about our guests personal pets. Do you have a personal pet that I can ask you about?

[B]

I do. I've got a miniature schnauzer. That's my miniature.

[A]

And what's his name?

[B]

Her name is Charlie.

[A]

Charlie.

[B]

Yeah. And she's just two years old.

[A]

Oh, she's coming out of puppyhood now.

[B]

Yeah, she is. She owns the rooster. Do you think she owns the house?

[A]

But I bet you've run to this beach with her too, huh? Oh, she's living her best happy life. That's wonderful. Cj, when you were young, you know, I always like to use the platforms I have to inspire the next generation of conservationists. And I know there's many young people I meet with and they would love to dedicate their life to penguins. How were you inspired as a youngster to do the work you are doing today?

[B]

So I've always. I've grown up in a family that's always been committed to conservation, mainly terrestrial work. So a lot of my family was in the Crooky national park or they worked up in Botswana. So just getting brought up in an incredible environment that we have, it's, It's. It's a good motivation to say, hang on, we've got a lot on our doorstep. And it's truly, it's. It's part of our heritage. So living in South Africa, it's like you're like, this is ours. We need to protect it. And we want to showcase it to everyone that comes to this country, because it has a big value, not only conservationally, but also economically.

[A]

Economically, absolutely. It does have a great economic indicator too, for this country, because interaction with the animals allow for so many. Encourage so many tourists to come in and so many tourists to come and meet with some incredible, megafauna, incredible creatures. And I encourage all of you who visit South Africa to please put Sanccob on your list so you can meet penguins either in Cape Town or here in Port Elizabeth. Both locations are Global Humane certified, so they've met the most rigorous standards to ensure that the care is scientifically based. And most importantly, it's humane. So you can rest assure that C.J. and his colleagues act with all intentions of the heart, importantly the science, and they bring the word humane to their work every single day. Well, cj, I am always inspired when I meet you and visit with you, and I know that you have such a deep passion for what you do. So critically important today for everyone in Robin's Nest, I have a groundbreaking announcement. I'm so touched by the fact that we're in a crisis. 10 years. 10 years it will go by like that. And these creatures that I was just at the hospital with a few minutes ago will be gone. My grandchildren won't have the opportunity to see and to witness these penguins in nature or in the wild. So, on behalf of Global Humane Society, we're so proud to offer a grant today to kick off a new hospital for your important work. We're going to give you a Grant today of 3.8 million South African Rand to help you do this important work and to launch your hospital campaign for these peshless penguins. And I'm so proud to be able to offer this to you. And I'm giving you our best wishes and best blessings for your continued good health and good work to fight this good fight. And no, you are not alone. We here at Global Humane Society join you. This grant is just the kickoff of a campaign we're matching. For every $2 that we've just gifted one, we want you to know that your $1 will be matched. That's in US dollars. So let's think about that. You donate US$1. US$2 can be matched through my grant so we can finish building this very important hospital. I hope you'll join forces with Global Humane Society, CJ and Natalie, and all of your incredible, incredible team to fulfill this vision. 10 years left, and these birds will be gone. I just can't imagine. We've got a lot of work to do. And, cj, I'm so proud you're on the front lines helping to lead this. Any final messages or stories you'd like to share with our listeners in the nest?

[B]

Just a.

[A]

It's a penguin nest today. I think it's a penguin nest. Yes.

[B]

Because I think on behalf of Sankob, it's. We can't do it alone. So obviously, collaborations like this is phenomenal. And your. The grant that will go towards our secret hospital is literally life and death. It's the birds. We get in. They are in critical conditions. They've got horrendous wounds. We get abandoned chicks, abandoned eggs. So this facility will just provide that, the equipment and just the facility space that is needed to give these birds the top care and. And love that they deserve. And as you said, we don't have much time left, but tire can be turned around. And yeah, it's through partnerships and collaborations like this. So thank you. So every bird that goes back in the sea, I know they appreciate it. They tell us that by slapping us and kicking us and scratching us. But yeah, it's, it's, it brings.

[A]

That's what we want. The bird is being a bird.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

And we want them to go back and live in the wild, which is to where they're intended to be. Thank you for your compassion and for your love than so much. And again today, Global Humane Society is providing a grant. The grant is 3.8 million South African rand and what that does for those US listeners to Robin's Nest. Every dollar you give to this campaign will match it for $2. Because that's how much we believe in saving this vital species from extinction. See? C.J. thank you so much. Keep up the good fight. We're here right with you. Thank you so much, C.J. thank you for sharing your incredible work and giving these seabirds a fighting chance and for inspiring all of us to remember the wildlife around us. Remember, friends, 3199 days left to save this species from extinction. Thank you for listening to this episode of Robin's Nest. Thank you for tuning in to Robin's Nest. We want to hear what you think. Please make sure to review the podcast on your podcast platform. Watch for upcoming episodes that will include new and exciting discussions. If you love animals, you'll love this season of Robin's Nest. Sa.