The Royal Alfred Marina has always been closely connected to the natural world around us. Protecting our canals, shoreline and wildlife is part of who we are, and recently, that commitment recently took on two very special faces.

Introducing Rammy and Marina, two endangered African penguins rescued from Bird Island and now being rehabilitated through the expert care of SANCCOB (the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). Their names honour their new extended family: the residents of the Royal Alfred Marina. They remind us how closely our lives are tied to the ocean, and that every creature along our coastline is part of the shared ecosystem we are responsible to protect.

Rammy - The Comeback Hero

Suffering from a foot injury after shark predation, Rammy arrived at SANCCOB Gqeberha on 1 July 2025. With careful feeding, medication, and rehabilitation, he’s on the road to being wild and free again - a hopeful symbol of what care and conservation can achieve.

Marina - A Fighter With Courage

Rescued with multiple wounds, Marina sadly lost her left foot, meaning she may not return to the wild. Yet she continues to thrive in SANCCOB’s lifelong care, representing resilience, dignity and the value of every individual animal.

Why Their Story Matters

Few people realise how close we are to losing these iconic birds forever. Fewer than 8,000 African penguins remain in the wild, a number that continues to fall due to:

• overfishing
• habitat loss
• pollution
• climate change

By adopting Rammy and Marina, the Marina community has taken part in SANCCOB’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, release, and when necessary, provide lifelong sanctuary to seabirds like them.

Learning More and Doing More

We also invited SANCCOB to present an educational talk to local school children right here on the Marina. Together we learnt:

• how many challenges penguins face,
• how rehabilitation works,
• and how even small habits at home affect the ocean.

This is just the beginning of our support, not a once-off gesture.

Part of Our Blue Flag Commitment

Caring for our coastline isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility recognised through the Marina's ongoing Blue Flag environmental status. Supporting SANCCOB reflects the deeper values behind that achievement. We protect not just waterways, but the life that depends on them.

How You Can Help

• Reduce single-use plastics
• Choose sustainable seafood
• Keep beaches and waterways clean

Every small action helps safeguard our coast and the wildlife that call it home.

A Small Gesture With a Growing Impact

Rammy and Marina may never swim in our canals, but their presence has already sparked learning, action and a deeper commitment to conservation within our community. They remind us that when we choose to care, we inspire others to do the same. And that is how endangered species can survive... one small, intentional act at a time.