James Vos Promotes Eco-Tourism to Support Penguin Conservation

Alderman James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, recently visited the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai, highlighting the critical conservation efforts for the endangered African Penguin.

 Vos, along with his family, joined the Marine Dynamics team in releasing four rehabilitated African Penguins near Dyer Island. “Witnessing these resilient birds return to their ocean home was an extraordinary experience,” said Vos. “It’s a privilege to support an organisation so dedicated to conservation and education. It was also wonderful to see how a Cape Town Tourism member is actively contributing to wildlife preservation.”

The sanctuary’s efforts are vital. Once thriving with over a million penguins in the 1920s, the population has plummeted to just 10,400 breeding pairs in South Africa as of 2022. This decline is largely due to historical human interference, including guano scraping and egg harvesting, which have drastically affected penguin habitats and populations.

APSS, part of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, rescues and rehabilitates penguins and other seabirds, providing them with the care needed to survive and return to the wild. The sanctuary also plays a crucial role in public education and relies heavily on donations and volunteer support.

Vos stressed the broader impact of eco-tourism: “Tourism showcases our incredible landscapes and wildlife while highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. Support from the public is invaluable. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps in the fight to save our feathered friends.”

For more information on how to contribute, visit Dyer Island Conservation Trust or contact them at info@dict.org.za. Join the mission to ensure a sustainable future for our planet and its wildlife.