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South Africa - Penguin and Marine Bird Sanctuary logo

South Africa - Penguin and Marine Bird Sanctuary

by: GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5 (4)VerifiedSince 2005

Located in South Africa, volunteer to aid conservation efforts of African penguins and other marine birds at an animal sanctuary! This asylum in Port Elizabeth rescues sick and injured African penguins and other marine birds that need medical attention and rehabilitation. A vast majority of the African penguins left in the world are housed in the Algoa Bay area and these creatures are susceptible to dangers such as climate change and boat tourism. The rapidly changing environment and oil spills from boats have put this species in danger. The sanctuary is in need of volunteers to care for the injured animals that have washed up on the shores of the Algoa Bay in order to preserve the remainder of the population. Volunteers on this project will be involved in a plethora of tasks from direct animal care to maintenance of the sanctuary itself. Other tasks may include: administrative work, guiding and teaching visitors and school children about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts, cleaning the bird hospital facilities, preparing food and feeding the animals, cleaning and care for the birds, preparing medication and assisting the staff when birds are released back into their habitat.

Program Highlights

Contribute to the conservation of African penguins!

Volunteers have access to historical sites, national parks and more.

Fridays consist of weekly group excursions!

Make memories you will never forget.

Gain a better appreciation for wildlife.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Nature Tours
  • Tours
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
Fields:
  • Animal Sciences
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

4

Being able to work hands-on with the penguins

January 13, 2025by: Stephanie Tucker
5

The most memorable experience I had during my trip was being able top work hands on with the penguins! As much as I have loved them my entire life, I had no real idea how physically strong and resilient they are!!

The people are so nice

August 10, 2021by: Sofia
5

Having the opportunity to work at program has been a pleasure and something to learn lots from, and I only found them because of you. The people are so nice, welcoming and the lodge is also fun to live in. Overall a great experience so far.

I really enjoyed my project

March 18, 2020by: Sofia Scuotto
5

I really enjoyed my project with sea birds and especially penguins. I am glad I had the chance to take part in this experience because everyday it made me feel useful and necessary. I spent most of the time with penguins: feeding, preparing the meds. I helped them feeding the penguins, preparing the medications, cleaning. We spent a lot of time also in the kitchen and do the laundry, but everybody was helping each other, making the days more enjoyable.

most memorable experiences

February 02, 2020by: Sam Woodruff
5

The most memorable experiences were being able to play an active role in the daily responsibilities associated with the conservation of the native African penguin species in the region. The local team boasts a brilliant local volunteer team that are very warm, welcoming and able to make you feel at home very quickly. All the Marine Dynamics staff are all very open and you quickly end up becoming part of the wider community!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Nature Tours
  • Tours
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Fields
  • Animal Sciences
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Intern Duration:
  • Short Term
  • 1-3 Months
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

    GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

    5Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Located in South Africa, volunteer to aid conservation efforts of African penguins and other marine birds at an animal sanctuary! This asylum in Port Elizabeth rescues sick and injured African penguins and other marine birds that need medical attention and rehabilitation. A vast majority of the African penguins left in the world are housed in the Algoa Bay area and these creatures are susceptible to dangers such as climate change and boat tourism. The rapidly changing environment and oil spills from boats have put this species in danger. The sanctuary is in need of volunteers to care for the injured animals that have washed up on the shores of the Algoa Bay in order to preserve the remainder of the population. Volunteers on this project will be involved in a plethora of tasks from direct a...

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