Robin's Nest from American Humane - On the Brink: The Fight to Protect Africa’s Penguins

Episode Date: April 27, 2026

In this special International Penguin Day episode of Robin’s Nest, we travel to South Africa’s coastline to meet CJ Havemann, Centre Manager of SANCCOB’s Gqeberha facility, one of the world’s most critical lifelines for the endangered African penguin.From oil spills to habitat loss, African penguins face mounting threats pushing them closer to extinction. But at SANCCOB, rescue teams are fighting back, rehabilitating injured birds, hand-rearing abandoned chicks, and releasing them back into the wild with a second chance at survival.CJ takes us behind the scenes of this urgent, hands-on conservation work, sharing what it means to meet the highest global standards of animal welfare through Global Humane Conservation Certification, and why that matters not just for individual animals, but for the future of an entire species.Through powerful stories of survival and the people dedicated to making it possible, this episode is a reminder that conservation is not just about saving wildlife, it’s about protecting the fragile balance of our planet.This International Penguin Day, discover how compassion, science, and action can come together to keep hope alive for one of the ocean’s most beloved birds.And be sure to stay tuned until the very end, because this episode closes with a special surprise that could change the future for African penguins in a very big way.

Today on Robbins Nest, we're joined by C.J. Haverman, the center manager at Sancov in Port Elizabeth South Africa. C.J. 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 something?

exquisite backdrop, surfers, ships, and of course my good friend, CJ, with Sancov. CJ, I'm so glad to have you in Robbins Nest today. Our nest is outside. It's pretty special, isn't it? This is amazing. But this is also your home. It is. So, CJ, please tell everybody in the nest a little bit about you.

Perfect. Thank you so much for having me. So my name, CJ, I'm the center manager at the Sancoab Obécker facility. Yeah, I've been with Sancov for four years. And as you said, this is our home. And this is the incredible environment we're trying to protect. So this environment is beautiful.

And a lot of our friends in Robins Nest have never had the opportunity to see Nelson Mandela Bay. Tell us how, what is here and where particularly are we in South Africa coastline? Sure, think. So the bay behind us, as I know, it's referred to as Nelson Mandela Bay or Algoa Bay. It's situated in the town at LaBea, 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. 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 is 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 San Cobb. Definitely. So Sancobs 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.

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. 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. Let's just repeat that again. And I want to make sure everyone hears that. Say it's slow one more time so our listeners can hear this. So out of the 18 different penguin species worldwide, the African penguin is the only penguin species that has got critically endangered status.

Critically endangered status. So there, I understand, only 10 years left, before they will be extinct? Correct. Ten years. To put in perspective, it's 3,199 days until the 1st of January 2035. And that's the year of extinction. That's when the extinction is predicted.

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? So the biggest cause of heat line is being attributed to just a shortage of 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,

co-signed 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. 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? So there is. So Sankob, together with Bird Lafraafrica, 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 Tiles Eighty-Eas and

with Sankov and Bird Luff International. We've got an additional 4,000 square kilometers of no fish zones, around six key breeding colonies in South Africa. Including this one. 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. And nature can recuperate the sardine population, correct? Exactly. That's the, which allows a food, a natural food source for these precious animals. Yes, that's the goal. One victory for the animals. Now let's talk about what else is needed, friends,

so we can activate. Yes. So pretty much, we obviously being in conservation, you can't do it alone. So obviously collaborations and partnership such as Sankop and globally remain, 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 of world wild across the globe to say, oh, hang on guys, we've got an incredible species that is worthy of saving, help us.

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... With proper encouragement and maybe even some policy by the South African government? So a big thing is obviously to change shipping lanes in and out of the harbor, falling out of the port. We also try to advocate against bunkering that takes place in the bay.

So tell me what bunkering is. 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 seaboe colonies. So one of the big drivers is to try and move Anchorage 2 away in total. So by moving Anchorage 2 away from the penguin colony, that would save a lot of lives. And again, every life counts. And we had 3,199 days left to save this entire species.

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 2020, 2003, that population crashed from 8,500 breeding pace to just over 700. And that's in no matter of San Quroy. So that's the fastest decline of a species in such a short time frame. 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. Yes, correct. Correct. Correct. Correct. Well, that sounds like a pretty easy policy solution, am I right? I hope so.

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. San Croix is a call to action and a warning flag, right? Exactly. For what is happening right here. 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. Tell us what an indicator of species is.

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 in your dashboard, that's obviously mean something's going on. If you ignore that light, your car's going to crash, your car's 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. 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 a food source, which I'm so happy about. But there's still more urgent needs. There is. And CJ, you have a beautiful facility where you're providing critical care. I want you to take me into your daily life of with you.

when you see a critically endangered species, an individual penguin be impacted by such trauma. How do you care for an injured penguin? So we obviously follow very stringent, highest quality veterinary and rehabilitation care, thanks to the certification process from Doverde Maine. Yes. 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 bear the care that is needed. So you have veterinarians here to give the bird immediate triage and care. So it starts all the way.

So it starts from the colony. So we've got dedicated seabird monitors. So those are Sankob employees that work on the island itself in the colonies. So their main role is to monitor the population. If we find a bird that is needed of care, they'll take the bird in, stabilize it. We then get sent to our facility,

and then it gets further treatment before it's healthy enough to be released back into the world. That's wonderful. So I was just at the facility and I always, every time I'm in Port Elizabeth, I come directly to San Cobb because I love it so much. You have 43 birds in residence right now. We do. Give me a name of one, because I know your name of them. Yes, we do. So tell me a story of one of the beautiful birds. So we have, so our permanent residents are obviously they're part of the family. So, and they are our ambassadors. So we use them to create awareness with the public and the learners. And each one. Nothing better than a penguin ambassador though, right friends? It's very hard not to love.

Yes. So each one has their own personality. So I think the more standout one is obviously she's Batman. So she's a girl. She's blind. So she's incredible. So she recognises the rehabbers by their voice. So she knows exactly who's who.

Then we have Samrek. He's 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 skin, so he steals a fish. He's a naughty penguin.

He's what we call spicy. I have a spicy dog who does that. Yeah, Mr. Darcy. Yes. So yeah, so it's incredible working with them. They, obviously, they're iconic species and it's hard not to love them. It's like, it's just, it's that passion that you have for the bird that drives you. 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 18,000. penguin species that's critically endangered. And right here in your own backyard. Exactly. I have to pivot because everyone in Robbins Nest always likes to know about our guest's personal pets. Do you have a personal pet that I can ask you about? I do. I've got a miniature schnauzer.

Oh, and what's his name? Her name is Charlie. Charlie. Yeah. And she's just two years old. Oh. She's coming out of puppyhood now. Yeah, she is. She owns the roost. I bet. I bet. I bet. She thinks she owns the house. I bet you've run this beach with her too, huh?

Oh, she's living her best puppy 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 conservationist. And I know there's many young people I'd 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?

So I've grown up in a family that's always been to much 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 a good motivation to say, hang on. We've got a lot on our doorstep. And it's truly, 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. 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 and incredible creatures. And I encourage all of you who visit South Africa to please put Sand Cobb 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 assured that CJ 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 Robbins Nest, I have a groundbreaking announcement. I'm so touched by the fact that we're in a crisis.

Ten years, ten years. It'll 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 grandkids, 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 Peshis 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 U.S. dollars. So let's think about that. You donate one U.S. dollar, two U.S. dollars 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, C.J. and Natalie and all of your incredible, incredible team to fulfill this vision. Ten years left, and these birds will be gone. I just can't imagine. We've got a lot of work to do. And C.J., 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? It's a penguin nest today, I think. It's a penguin nest, yes. Just I think I'll be off of Sanco, but we can't do it alone. So obviously collaborations like this is phenomenal. And the grant that'll go towards our secret hospital is literally life and death. That'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 love that they deserve. And as you said, we don't have much time left, but tired can be turned around. And yeah, it's two 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 brings it here. But that's what we want. The bird is being a bird. Exactly. And we want them to go back and live in the wild,

which is to where they're intended to be. Yeah. Thank you for your compassion and for your love. And again, today, Global Humane Society is providing a grant. The grant is 3.8 million South African rant. And what that does for those U.S. 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. CJ, thank you so much. Thank you so much. Keep up the good fight. We're here right with you. Thank you so much.

CJ, 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, 3,199 days left to save this species from extinction. Thank you for listening to this episode of Robbins Nest. Thank you for tuning in to Robbins 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 Robbins Nest.