WildePenguin
Hands-On Penguin & Seabird Veterinary Rehabilitation
Embark on a Wildlife Conservation Adventure Like No Other!
Step into the world of seabird conservation on South Africa’s stunning Cape coast with WildePenguin - an immersive veterinary and rehabilitation collaboration mission focused primarily on penguins and other seabirds in need of care.
This incredible rehabilitation centre cared for more than 2,000 seabirds representing 37 different species in the past year, achieving an impressive 79% successful release rate. As a participant, you’ll gain hands-on insight into the full rehabilitation process, from the moment an animal arrives at the centre through to its recovery and preparation for release back into the wild.
You’ll be involved in a wide range of daily activities, with tasks varying according to the needs of the centre and the animals in care. These may include triage, intake assessments, veterinary care, wound care, rehabilitation, feeding, monitoring and release preparation, as well as supporting the veterinary team with surgical procedures. Participants should be prepared to assist with the practical day-to-day running of the hospital, which can include setting up the theatre for surgical procedures and cleaning afterwards, sterilising surgical equipment, keeping the seabird hospital clean, record keeping and laboratory work.
The centre is equipped with extensive veterinary facilities, including radiology, surgical facilities and gas anaesthesia, providing opportunities to observe and learn about the veterinary techniques used to diagnose and treat injured and sick seabirds.
Learning doesn’t stop when the clinical work does. Participants will have access to veterinary textbooks, research papers and veterinary standard operating procedures for self-study, allowing you to further develop your knowledge and better understand the cases and procedures encountered during your stay.
Depending on the needs of the centre and the timing of your stay, you may also have the opportunity to become involved in chick bolstering projects, supporting vulnerable young seabirds as they develop and prepare for life in the wild.
With a 7 day minimum stay, WildePenguin is suitable for those with even a small window of travel. The longer you stay, the more involved you can become, allowing you to build your knowledge, take on greater responsibility and experience a wider range of cases and rehabilitation work.
With only up to two participants at a time, this mission offers a highly personalised learning experience, allowing you to work closely with the rehabilitation team and become genuinely immersed in the daily care of the animals. As part of this close-knit experience, participants should be comfortable contributing to both clinical and non-clinical tasks, including the cleaning, preparation and general upkeep essential to running a busy wildlife hospital.
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa’s Cape, WildePenguin combines hands-on veterinary learning, wildlife rehabilitation and meaningful conservation work - giving you the opportunity to play a small but valuable role in returning seabirds to the wild.
For those looking for an even more in-depth experience, an internship opportunity is also available for extended stays. Enquire for more details!
Location
South Africa
South Africa is a country of incredible wildlife, diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, from vast savannahs and rugged mountains to spectacular coastlines. Home to the iconic Big Five, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras and hundreds of bird species, it is one of the world’s leading wildlife destinations. With a generally warm climate, 11 official languages and a rich blend of traditions and communities, South Africa offers a unique combination of nature, conservation, culture and adventure. From world-renowned wildlife conservation to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, there is something remarkable around every corner.
Available Missions
We Can't Wait To Welcome You
Next Mission
Available year round
Minimum one week stay
Working days are Monday to Friday
Who Can Join
Open to anyone 18 years and older with a passion for conservation, no qualifications required
Open to any gender
Also suitable for those studying or working in the veterinary and animal care industries
Inclusions + Exclusions
What's included
Conservation Work
Support the rehabilitation and release of injured and sick seabirds, helping contribute to the long-term conservation of penguins and 36+ other seabird species.
All Activities
Take part in triage, intake assessments, veterinary care, feeding, cleaning, rehabilitation, monitoring, chick bolstering and preparing seabirds for release.
Guidance
Qualified English-speaking professionals
What's not included
Flights
International flight to Pietermaritzburg Airport.
Health/Travel Insurance
Mandatory
Accommodation, Meals & Airport Transfers
Recommendations can be provided
Conservation Contribution
Ready to Join Us?
If “Book Now” is available:
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
If “Book Now” is not available:
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
Find Out More
Want to learn more before booking your Wilde Tracks mission?
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the experience in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Real Experiences. Real Travellers. Real Reviews.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Photo gallery
About Wilde Tracks
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.