Correction: SAPREC not moving
It is incorrectly reported on page 26 of the Mossel Bay Holiday Guide insert today that SAPREC (the Seabird and Penguin Rescue Centre) in Mossdustria is moving premises.
The Mossel Bay Advertiser apologises for this mistake. SAPREC is not moving any time soon, although plans have been in the pipeline for a move in future.
The centre was established and recognised by Cape Nature in March 2005. Carol Walton, who founded the centre, has been working with penguins and seabirds for over twenty years.
She initially started rehabilitating penguins and seabirds in need in her garage. This proved inadequate and with the help of Dr Frans de Graaff from Hartenbos Animal Hospital, she established the rehabilitation centre in Mossdustria, Mossel Bay.
Dr De Graaff has been a huge pillar of support to the sanctuary by giving his time and most of his treatments for free.
Many of the seabirds being rehabilitated are under threat and there is a dire need of centres such as SAPREC to help with the fight against the decline in biodiversity.
The numbers of the African penguin especially are declining at a rapid rate and the bird is on the endangered list.
S.M.A.R.T. (the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team) is an extremely active group of volunteers. The volunteers get birds to the rehabilitation centre quickly, which helps in the success of their recovery. SAPREC is truly grateful for their assistance.
It is SAPREC’s vision to move the rehabilitation centre to a tourist area in Mossel Bay and build a facility in which people can interact with the seabirds.
Please do visit SAPREC. Visiting hours are at 09:00 and 14:00 daily. The entrance fee is R40 per adult and R10 per child 12 years and under.
Contact SAPREC (082 364 3382) to make an appointment for viewing. For directions, see Google maps: SAPREC Mossdustria, Mossel Bay.