“Born from an interest in conservation, supported by those who care about nature…”

“Our mission is to observe with a keenness of eye, to assist where human intervention is the cause of distress and to conserve and protect all marine species along our coastline, acting with selfless devotion and ensuring that the dignity of nature is maintained to enrich the lives of all who visit our shores…”

A SHORT HISTORY

2002

· Establishment of a Quick Response Rescue service for Marine and Wildlife species along the Eastern Cape Seaboard.

2003/2004

· Established a base of operations at the Seal Point Lighthouse in Cape St. Francis. The first commercial activities undertaken representing the Seal Point Lighthouse Tours initiative.

· Initiated the “Friends of Ajubatus” programme and began the process of profiling the organization both locally and internationally.

· Established a 24/7 Rescue Advisory service handling over 2 500 calls per annum.

· Development of the Outreach initiative involving local community schools etc.

2006

· Developed the World Class Marine Bird Hospital, ICU and Rehabilitation Centre at Seal Point in addition to commissioning the base commercial activities on site.

· Expanded commercial activities to include the Lighthouse Coffee Shop, Pot Luck Restaurant and special events programmes.

· Established leading edge operating protocols and training facilities on site.

· Establishment of a basic operational laboratory to undertake Histology and sample analysis which provided the means to exchange clinical and research data with experts around the globe. A complete hematology service was brought on line.

2007

· Established National affiliations and specialized operating Protocols for the African Penguin and established a Training base for volunteers and Conservation organizations involved in marine bird species.

· Provided an advisory service to national conservation initiatives.

· Full laboratory and Autopsy unit brought on line with research results forwarded to international experts for review.

2008

· Established a Post Graduate Bursary Scheme for the investigation of Parasites, Vectors and Diseases of free ranging Penguins in Algoa Bay.

· Expansion and formalization of the Laboratory and Research components of operation including formalized autopsies “fresh dead birds” brought to the centre.

· Expansion of site commercial activities including more formalized Education Centre programmes.

· Amalgamation of Operations to include the Centre for Cetacean Research (www.whaleresearch.org) in the Cook Islands with a view to establishing a whale research unit in South Africa.

· Formalized Organizational Structure to encompass the operating functions on site and to ensure optimal expansion initiatives can be undertaken.