Tomorrow’s future vets became today’s inspiring heroes when they dedicated much of their study break time to raising vital funds that will support our endangered seabirds.
Pretoria, South Africa (13 February 2026) – Being a university student is no walk in the park, yet despite their demanding academic schedules, the University of Pretoria veterinary students at OP Village RAG still found time for a cause that truly matters.
Driven by a passion for conservation, these students dedicated their energy to a series of engaging and informative fundraising events. Their hard work paid off, raising thousands to support the endangered African penguin.
The Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT) and its African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) are thrilled to extend a heartfelt thank you to these students. Through their incredible efforts, they raised just under R60,000 in donations and nearly R10,000 through merchandise sales for these vital conservation charities.
Shaylee Bouwer, Chairperson of OP Village RAG 2025, explained that the motivation behind their 2025 fundraising efforts stemmed from the declining numbers of the critically endangered African penguin.
“As veterinary students and animal enthusiasts, we identified the Dyer Island Conservation Trust as a key role-player in the conservation of these beautiful animals. The Sanctuary’s ongoing work, including the creation of artificial nests, has inspired us to help raise awareness and support for this species.”
OP Village is a student residence at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria, home to students pursuing careers in Veterinary Science or Veterinary Nursing. Through the student-driven, non-profit organisation Reach Out and Give (RAG), OP Village annually chooses an animal charity to support, combining fundraising with awareness-raising initiatives.
Over the years, OP Village RAG has championed the causes of several remarkable animal conservation projects, including Rhino Repro (2020), the African Pangolin Working Group (2021), Mabula Ground Hornbill Project (2022), Vulpro (2023), and the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (2024). Their consistent dedication to protecting vulnerable wildlife has made a tangible difference in South Africa’s conservation landscape.
DICT and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary are immensely grateful to Shaylee Bouwer and the OP Village RAG team for their selfless commitment and enthusiastic support.
Their efforts not only raise vital funds for penguin conservation but also help educate the broader public about the threats facing these remarkable seabirds, from habitat loss and food shortages to human disturbances.
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“The support of these young, passionate veterinary students has been invaluable,” says Christine Wessels of DICT.
“They remind us that even amidst busy academic schedules, people can make a real difference for our wildlife.”
For more information on the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary or to support their conservation efforts, visit www.dict.org.za
Sources: Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort
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