It’s been a year since the KruShan X-Ray Room opened at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary in Kleinbaai, Gansbaai — a transformative donation from Shannon and Kruger du Plessis of the KruShan Foundation. In just one year, the X-Ray Room has become a hive of activity, providing immediate, on-site diagnostics for African Penguins, seabirds, and even birds of prey.
“This has become an essential addition to the rehab centre,” says APSS veterinarian Dr Annamarie Robberts. “Previously, animals had to be transported to Hermanus for X-rays. Any form of transport is traumatic, especially for animals already in severe pain.”
The facility eliminates the stressful 40-minute journey to Hermanus, improving survival rates and reducing stress for vulnerable wildlife. Named the African Penguin Protectors KruShan Foundation X-Ray Room, it honours the foundation’s generosity and dedication.
Shannon du Plessis shares her passion: “I’ve loved African Penguins since my first trip to South Africa in 2010. Helping APSS protect them from extinction is a privilege. Something magical happens when people unite to protect a species they love.”
A Little Limp but a Lot of Love
One patient benefiting from the KruShan X-Ray Room is Limp Bisket. He was rescued by SANCCOB in Port Elizabeth after being found on Bird Island in 2021 with serious abdominal and leg seal bite injuries. Limp Bisket healed well at the SANCCOB facility and was released back into the wild.
However, on 23 November 2025, Limp Bisket was admitted to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. He had been spotted on the beach, underweight and in poor condition. According to Xolani Lawu, Limp Bisket weighed a mere 2.36 kilograms. X-rays revealed that, although his wounds had healed, he has permanent damage to the joint between his lower leg and foot— likely from the original seal bite in 2021.
This injury caused a noticeable wobble in his waddle and a slight limp — hence his name. After careful feeding and treatment, once he reached a healthy weight, Limp Bisket was released in December 2025. Sadly, he was found ashore again in Hermanus on 30 January 2026, struggling to survive in the wild.
X-ray of Limp Bisket’s injured leg.
“He is very happy and content at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary,” says Dr Robberts. “He basks in the sun, limps around, enjoys slow swims, and savours his sardine buffet twice a day.”
Limp Bisket will not be returning to Dyer Island, but we know he is safe and thriving at APSS.
Limp Bisket taking it slow at APSS
The KruShan Foundation: A Lifeline for African Penguins and Seabirds
The KruShan Foundation, led by Kruger and Shannon du Plessis, has been a crucial partner for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, supporting conservation efforts across the Overstrand region. From funding a Seabird Ranger on Dyer Island to supporting medical care at the Sanctuary, their generosity has made a significant impact.
Shannon from KruShan Foundation, serving breakfast at APSS.
Kruger explains:
“We volunteer our time to ensure funds go directly to protecting these iconic species. I grew up in South Africa and want future generations to enjoy seeing African Penguins in the wild. From our first visit, we were impressed with APSS and will continue supporting their work to save penguins from extinction.”
Mervin from the APSS is being helped by Kruger du Plessis from KruShan Foundation.
For more information or to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, visit www.dict.org.za, or book a Shark- and Whale Tour at www.marinedynamics.co.za.
The KruShan Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated solely to protecting the critically endangered African Penguin. Learn more here: https://www.krushanfoundation.org/
This post originally appeared here: https://dict.org.za/blog/celebrating-a-year-of-the-krushan-x-ray-room-with-limp-bisket/