Once abundant along Africa’s coastlines, the African penguin is now critically endangered, facing extinction.  

But there is hope. A collective of sustainable, purpose-driven brands is stepping up to support the fight to save the African Penguin, and through your purchases, you can help raise critical awareness and funds for their conservation. 

The Fight 

The statistics are staggering. Over the past decade, the African penguin population has plummeted by 97%. Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain in the wild, their survival threatened primarily by human-driven pressures: overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. 

These seabirds, instantly recognisable in their black-and-white “tuxedos,” are more than just charming coastal residents. They are icons of South Africa’s natural heritage and vital indicators of ocean health. Their recent reclassification to “critically endangered” is not just a change in status; it is a call for urgent, united action across conservationists, communities, businesses, and individuals. 

How To Make a Difference  

These products celebrate the beauty of the African penguin while directly contributing to conservation and community upliftment. 

Sharon B  

These design lifestyle products capture moments inspired by the beautiful abundance of South Africa’s natural fauna and flora, the African Penguin and our wild coastline waters. 

Whimsical Collection 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle with environmentally friendly shopper bags made from PET bottles into recycled fabric. This proudly SA company celebrates everything fun and whimsical about our African wildlife.  

Envirokid 

Support local handmade toys like classic wooden pull-along African Penguin toys by Envirokid. All handmade in Cape Town, they strive to use raw, environmentally conscious materials – their ethos is all about fun, education, and promoting learning about nature, development of skills, and new traditions. 

Recycled Flip Flop Studio 

Sustainable Art through innovation is showcased by a Cape Town-based studio Recycled Flip Flop Studio, founded by Davis Ndungu, who recycles discarded flip flops into African Penguin sculptures. 

Waddle On 

Socks hatched in Cape Town- by Waddle On Socks are the ultimate gift for penguin lovers and funky sock collectors alike. Lovingly designed and inspired by founder Martine Viljoen’s years of working with their real-life waddling counterparts, a portion of all proceeds is donated to SANCCOB. 

Birdlife SA 

Shop for the Birds! These bracelets are all handmade by members of the Ocean View Association for Persons with Disabilities. For every bracelet sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Save our Penguins Fund. 

Relate 

Each beaded bracelet by Relate is hand-beaded by seniors in South African townships, providing vital income for artisans while raising funds to protect the African Penguin.   

African Creative  

When you purchase an African Penguin plush toy from the  African Creative range, a portion of the proceeds directly supports seabird rehabilitation at SANCCOB. This critical work aims to reverse the penguins’ decline and protect the broader biodiversity essential for our planet’s future.  

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