Six Weeks with Seabirds in Cape Town

I chose Cape Town as a place to work abroad because of its beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. During my time here, I had the opportunity to intern with a local seabird conservation and rehabilitation organization, where I helped care for several species, including the African penguin. I loved exploring Cape Town and the surrounding towns, spending time at the beaches and mountains, and meeting the many kind people who live here. The culture and art throughout the city are also truly inspiring.

I spent six weeks living and working here, which felt like the perfect amount of time, though I would have happily stayed longer to explore more of the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was working directly with the birds, feeding them, assisting with care, and helping during rehabilitation. A highlight was attending a penguin release along the coast, where I watched several birds I had helped care for return to the ocean. I am especially grateful for the support from the VACorps team, who made the experience even more meaningful and were always there if I needed anything.