Penguin Center in Jeffreys Bay, Cacadu, South Africa | Animal Welfare

Situated on the Seekoei River, just outside Jeffreys Bay, which lies on the Eastern Cape coast of Southern Africa, is a small successful centre for the rehabilitation of the African Penguin (Spheniscus Demersus), also referred to as the Jackass Penguin.These penguins are listed as vulnerable in the South African Red Data Book. Their numbers have declined from an estimated 240 000 in the late 70's, to a present level of approximately 125 000. The species is unique to the Southern African coast, from Southern Natal to Namibia. Of the total population, an estimated 78 000 (62 percent), are to be found on a group of small islands in Algoa Bay, east of Port Elizabeth. Other colonies on islands off the Western Cape coast and Namibia account for the rest of the population.