Oil spills are incredibly dangerous for entire ecosystems.
Spreading rapidly through the water once they occur, they fill up the water with toxic chemicals—an environment that billions of animals call home.
The spills can be both big and small, and even affect animals that live on land like these two little kittens.
But they are particularly hazardous to animals that rely on the water in some capacity, like penguins.
This is why companies like the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds exist—to save animals' lives when they are compromised by oil spills and other disasters.
Their team of staff and volunteers saves the oil-covered little birds, and bath them thoroughly so that all of the junk is out of their feathers.
The rigorous work definitely takse a lot of effort, but it can be life changing for the victims.
Check below to learn more about their efforts in saving 92 penguins from a recent oil spill.
[H/T: The Dodo]
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is dedicted to helping endangered African penguins and other threatened seabirds.
Founded in 1968, they have helped over 90,000 birds that are in danger, contributing greatly to their sustained population.
One of the ways that they help is by cleaning birds that have been covered in oil due to spills on the coast.
Using special cleaning techniques, they help the birds get squeaky clean—the process can take up to two hours!
The team had its work cut out for them after an oil spill occurred off the coast of South Africa, effecting huge numbers of birds in the area.
"Most of the penguins are heavily oiled, with some having as much as 90% of their bodies covered in oil," they explained in a press release.
Oil is not only a dirty, slick substance; it breaks down the natural waterproofing in penguins' feathers, making it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.
It can also lead to skin and eye irritation on the poor birds.
They also get the urge to preen all the oil out of their feathers, which can make them severely sick!
Most of the penguins came to the SANCCOB dehydrated and discombobulated, but they were ready with their special bird bathing equipment.
They worked day and night to clean 92 penguins that had been covered oil.
The baths take a long time, but when you see how well it cleans the poor birds, they definitely look like they're worth it!
The next step for them is the rehabilitate all of the oil-spill victims, some of whom are still sick and need to be reacquainted with their old habitats.
Thanks to this amazing organization, the birds stand a chance against the dangerous spills that pollute the water and ravage the environment.
If you think we need to put an end to dangerous oil spills, please SHARE this incredible rescue on Facebook!
