Africa is home to just one penguin species — the African Penguin — now the most endangered of all. With threats including food shortages, climate change, pollution, predation and disease, they could be functionally extinct by 2035. This talk explores how SANCCOB is working to protect them through rescue, rehabilitation, release, education, advocacy, and emergency response to oil spills and disease outbreaks affecting wild populations. Romy Klusener is Senior Conservation Manager at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), where she leads efforts to protect the critically endangered African Penguin. With over a decade of experience in seabird rehabilitation, she has grown from rehabilitator to key leader, working across rescue, incubation, release, and crisis response. She is passionate about conservation and raising awareness to secure the future of South Africa’s iconic seabirds. Birds on the Brink, Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa and Bird Safari Activity Book (also available in Afrikaans) will be available at a special price for registrants during the week of the talk, both online and in-store at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Bookshop. CLICK HERE for more info and to register for free!

---