Ford supports SANCCOB’s efforts to protect endangered African penguins

In recognition of World Penguin Day on Saturday, 25 April 2026, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa highlighted the important work of the Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) in supporting the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and its efforts to protect the endangered African penguin.

FWF has a longstanding partnership with SANCCOB’s Gqeberha centre in the Eastern Cape, where teams are working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release seabirds back into the wild. This work has become increasingly critical as African penguin populations face mounting pressure from climate change, declining fish stocks, pollution and habitat disruption.

Recent months have seen a surge in abandoned penguin eggs and chicks, driven by food shortages and extreme weather conditions. SANCCOB teams, working closely with conservation authorities, rescue these eggs and chicks for incubation, rearing and rehabilitation, significantly improving their chances of survival.

Located along South Africa’s south-eastern coastline, Algoa Bay is home to globally important penguin colonies on St Croix and Bird Island, making conservation efforts in this region vital to the species’ future.

Through the Ford Wildlife Foundation, Ford South Africa provides SANCCOB with a locally built Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4, enabling the team to access remote coastal areas, transport rescued birds, and respond rapidly to emergencies. The Ranger plays a crucial role in supporting daily operations and ensuring that resources can be directed towards animal care rather than logistics. This partnership is especially significant in Gqeberha, the city where Ford’s journey in South Africa began more than a century ago and home to its engine plant today. The Ford Ranger continues this legacy, supporting vital conservation work on the ground.

In addition to ongoing support, SANCCOB recently hosted its “Cheers for Chicks” initiative ahead of World Penguin Day, raising funds for the care and survival of endangered penguin chicks. The Ford Wildlife Foundation currently supports 29 conservation, research and education projects across Southern Africa, reinforcing Ford’s commitment to protecting biodiversity through mobility, funding and long-term partnerships. With support from the Ford Wildlife Foundation, SANCCOB is responding to record numbers of abandoned African penguin eggs and chicks, driven by food shortages and extreme heat conditions. 

Source QuickPic