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Volunteer for the Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Center
Volunteering Solutions offers a Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Program in South Africa, focusing on rescuing and rehabilitating African Penguins and other marine birds affected by human impact. Volunteers also help educate the public and support educational displays about marine life in Algoa Bay.
You work at the Penguin and Marine Bird Rescue Center in Port Elizabeth, on the shore of Algoa Bay, where the focus is on treating African penguins and other seabirds such as gannets, cormorants, and seagulls that wash up sick, injured, or exhausted. Day to day you defrost and prepare fish, feed and tube-hydrate birds, clean and disinfect the bird hospital and enclosures, and help with Sea School talks for visiting school groups. The program suits volunteers aged 18 and over who are physically fit, comfortable working outdoors, and have a genuine interest in seabirds.
Placements run 4–12 weeks, starting every week (mondays), with the next start on 14 Sep 2026. You live at the volunteer house near the beach in Port Elizabeth, in shared rooms with other volunteers, and get three meals a day either at the house or on the reserve. Programs start from $1,683, deposit included. This is the only center in Port Elizabeth able to collect and treat washed-up penguins from the world's largest African penguin colony on St Croix Island, so the hands-on hospital work here is not replicated elsewhere in the area.
- A one of a kind opportunity to volunteer for marine life, work for vulnerable African Penguins in Algoa Bay, a bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa that’s located 425 miles east of the Cape of Good Hope
- Get to make conservation efforts for marine birds such as gannets, cormorants, and seagulls
- Duties handed out to volunteers for work in Sea School, and Bird School.
- Get to feed penguins, prepare their feed and vitamins and clean the area
- Do something good for marine life, get to live in the incredibly diverse Algoa Bay and explore the beautiful town of Port Elizabeth
Prices, durations, start dates and the minimum age come straight from our booking system for this program. Program facts reviewed 13 Sep 2026.
Your role on this program
- Feed the penguins and other seabirds, including force-feeding and free feeding under staff instruction
- Defrost and prepare fish for a variety of seabird species
- Prepare and administer medication to birds under staff supervision
- Hydrate (tube-feed) different bird species as directed by staff
- Scrub and clean the bird hospital facilities and rehabilitation equipment
- Catch and handle birds under staff instruction, including for release preparation
- Teach visiting school groups at Sea School, including rock pool and shipwreck lessons
- Answer "bird calls" about seabirds in need of rescue and help with center office duties
- Help maintain the permanent bird exhibit by scrubbing rocks, raking sand, and preparing food
Exact duties vary with the placement's needs, the season and your experience.
Role boundaries
All animal handling, feeding, and medical care happens under the instruction of center staff, and you sign in and out with a supervisor each day. You do not diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatment, or release birds independently, and there is no riding, bathing, or cuddling of wildlife for photos; duties may vary with the center's needs and the season.
A typical day and week
The project is open 365 days of the year and needs volunteers throughout the year.Volunteers work 5 days per week from Monday to Sunday from about 8h00-17h00 with a lunch break 13h00-14h00 and short tea breaks during the morning and afternoon.
This means that you will be asked to work on weekends but then you will have two days off during the week. Some days might start earlier or later and in summertime, due to the heat, hours can change.
The program starts on Monday and the volunteers will have to arrive that day. You will be picked up at either the airport or any accommodation in Port Elizabeth on Monday morning, after which you will have time to settle in and explore the area. Tuesday will be your introduction day at the project. If you arrive before Monday we can assist with accommodation at a backpackers or guesthouse for you.
Timings are the placement's usual pattern; the local team confirms your hours at orientation, and they can change with school terms, clinic rotas, weather and the project's needs.
Who can join and what you need
- Minimum age 18
- Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors, often in wet or messy conditions
- A genuine interest in and compassion for seabirds and marine life
- Up-to-date tetanus vaccination before joining the program
- A criminal background check issued within 12 months of your start date, since the role includes guiding school groups
- Travel/medical insurance, either your own policy or the one Volunteering Solutions arranges
- An open mind and flexible attitude, since tasks vary with the center's daily needs
The placement, its limits and your part in it
Volunteering Solutions works with a local South African organization in Port Elizabeth that runs the only center in the city able to collect washed-up penguins and other marine birds, treat them, and release them back into Algoa Bay. The center also runs a Sea School and public displays, so part of the work is guiding visitors and school groups through education about the African penguin and Algoa Bay's marine life.
Staff allocate your daily tasks, and you report to them each morning and sign out at the end of the day; medication, feeding plans, and release decisions are made by center staff, not volunteers. Your contribution is practical support, including cleaning, feeding, food preparation, laundry, and help with visitor education and fundraising, that lets the small permanent team spend more time on treatment and rescue work.
Our standards
- Responsible volunteer travel policyHow we choose, run and review every project
- Animal welfare policyOur rules for wildlife, marine and animal-care projects
- Certified B CorporationSocial and environmental performance verified by B Lab
- How we volunteer responsibly in South AfricaCountry-level partner context and standards
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
Prices include your $249 booking deposit — which is deducted from your total program fee. Your deposit stays valid for one year, during which you may enroll in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Total price | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | $1,683 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,928 | |
| 6 weeks | $2,173 | |
| 7 weeks | $2,418 | |
| 8 weeks | $2,663 | |
| Each additional week | +$325 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- Information and assistance before departure
- Pick up upon arrival and drop off at the end of your stay
- Welcome pack with the information guide, free SIM-card, maps, etc. upon arrival
- City Tour and Introduction Program
- Accommodation in volunteer house close to the beach
- (7 nights per week of volunteering booked)
- Volunteer coordinator available 24/7
- 3 meals a day
- Direct donation to the project’s needs
- Transport to and from the project
- The offer of weekend trips and outings (extra costs apply)
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
Not included
- Private Luxuries (snacks, soft drinks, alcohol etc.)
- Costs for weekend outings to safari parks etc.
- Air tickets
- Insurance
- Weekend Pick up and Drop off at airport
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the Port Elizabeth Airport on the program start date i.e Monday and dropped off back to the airport after their project stay is over. Daily transportation to and from project placement to the accommodation is also included in your program fee.
Orientation
Upon arrival all volunteers are given a detailed welcome pack with information guide, free sim card, maps etc. Volunteers are also given an introduction to the program as well as a tour of the area around before starting their program.
Volunteers in the Port Elizabeth program are provided accommodation at a volunteer home. It is a gorgeous home with loads of space. Whether you prefer to unwind in the garden, at the pool or in the lounge; this home has a special place for everyone.
Accommodation
The home was built in grand old architectural style and is decorated with modern touches. The house has a swimming pool for use in summer and a fireplace for winter.The property is well secured and superbly located within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, laundry & shops. If you would like a private room whether as a single traveler or as a couple, please let us know and we will advise you on availability and surcharges.
Meals
Three meals per day are included and we work on a set menu per week, lovingly prepared by our cook with your assistance. There is free coffee, tea and drinking water available at any time.For breakfast you will have continental buffet with a choice of bread, fruit, yoghurt, cereals and/or eggs. For lunch, you can make your own sandwiches with cheese, marmalade, cold meat or other spreads to take with you to the project. Dinners are a variety of hearty healthy meals such as soups, stews, pies, oven dishes and other options.We cater for vegetarians and vegans but please inform us before arriving to prepare accordingly.
During your Free Time
You will have the weekend free wherein you will have time to explore other locations in South Africa as well.You can choose to fly into Cape Town for the weekend and explore the city or just spend the weekend chilling at the volunteer house with other like minded volunteers from around the world.Other activities that you can get involved in include sand boarding down the giant dunes, having close encounters with peaceful pachyderms at Addo Elephant Park, hiking in the lush coastal countryside around Port Elizabeth…and much more.
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Life on the program
Getting there and who looks after you in South Africa
Airport pickup
You are picked up at Port Elizabeth Airport on your Monday start date; the transfer runs until 4pm, so plan your flight to land before then.
First day
After pickup you settle in at the volunteer house and have time to explore the area before your program begins.
Orientation
Tuesday is your introduction day at the center, where staff walk you through the site, the daily routine, and safety rules.
First project day
You start work at the center under staff supervision, reporting in each morning and signing out at the end of the day.
Daily support
An on-site coordinator at the Port Elizabeth house and a 24-hour support line are available throughout your stay, and you get a free SIM card in your welcome pack.
From volunteers in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
What do I actually do at the center?
You help with practical bird hospital work such as feeding, food preparation, cleaning, and hydrating birds, plus Sea School education for visiting school groups and some office and fundraising tasks, all assigned daily by staff.
Who is this program suited for?
It suits volunteers aged 18 and over who are physically fit, comfortable getting their hands dirty outdoors, and have a genuine interest in seabirds; no prior animal-care experience is required.
What is a typical day and what are the working hours?
You work 5 days a week, including weekends, about 8am-5pm with a lunch break from 1pm-2pm; hours can shift earlier or later in summer because of the heat.
How long can I volunteer and when do programs start?
Placements run 4–12 weeks, starting every week (mondays), with the next start on 14 Sep 2026; you can extend or change your dates free of charge up to 45 days before the start.
What does the program cost and what is included?
Programs start from $1,683, deposit included; the fee covers airport pickup and drop-off, accommodation, three meals a day, daily transport to the project, a welcome pack with SIM card, orientation, and 24/7 coordinator support.
Where do I live and what meals are included?
You stay at the volunteer house near the beach in Port Elizabeth and get three meals a day, either at the house or on the reserve; vegetarian and vegan diets are catered for if you let the team know in advance.
How does airport pickup work?
You are picked up at Port Elizabeth Airport on your Monday start date, with the transfer running until 4pm; if you arrive earlier, the team can help arrange backpacker or guesthouse accommodation.
What support is available if something goes wrong?
The Port Elizabeth house has an on-site coordinator, there is a 24-hour emergency support line, and center staff supervise and sign you in and out of work each day.
Do I need vaccinations or a visa?
You need an up-to-date tetanus vaccination before joining; for visa requirements and any other health guidance, the team sends details before departure.
Will I handle the penguins directly?
Yes, but only under staff instruction: this includes feeding, tube-hydrating, and catching or handling birds for treatment or release, never independently and never for photos or contact for its own sake.
Do I need a background check?
Yes, since the role includes guiding school groups, you need a criminal background check issued within 12 months of your start date.
What happens on weekends?
You are asked to work some weekend days as part of your 5-day week, with two weekdays off instead; on your free days you can explore Port Elizabeth or take a weekend trip, at extra cost.
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