The official opening of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation for the Western Cape; it is the first permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre in the province.
Located just outside Betty’s Bay, the centre is situated within the Kogelberg Biosphere, South Africa’s oldest biosphere. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998, the 100 000-ha area is home to rare fynbos vegetation, vital wetlands and diverse wildlife. The biosphere extends from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay, encompassing the inland towns of Grabouw and Bot River.
Although the facility’s official inauguration took place only on Tuesday 18 February, the centre had already received its official operating permits from CapeNature in December. Since then it has been providing critical care to injured and displaced wildlife, addressing the increasing impact of human activity on the region’s biodiversity.
Unlike other facilities, this centre is the first in the Western Cape permitted to release indigenous birds, mammals and reptiles back into the wild, ensuring their full recovery and reintegration into their natural habitats.
Corlie Hugo, coordinator of the Kogelberg Biosphere, said he and others associated with its centre are extremely proud to be part of the first of its kind in the Western Cape, serving its natural world in this capacity.
“This initiative could not have come at a more crucial time,” she pointed out, “as biodiversity faces unprecedented threats on multiple fronts.”
The urgency of wildlife rescue was underscored during the devastating 2022 Kleinmond fires. Reflecting on the crisis, Hugo said: “During the fire many of us worked tirelessly to save tortoises, chameleons and other vulnerable animals caught in the flames. It was then that I decided to turn my long-standing dream of establishing a rehabilitation centre into reality.”
Following the fires, Hugo reached out to Michelle Watson, a certified wildlife rehabilitater and one of the first South Africans accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. Also training first responders in wildlife rescue, she and Hugo recognised the urgent need for a dedicated rescue centre in the Western Cape.
“Michelle had always envisioned starting a facility in the Cape,” said Hugo. “That’s when we decided to make this happen under the umbrella of the Kogelberg Biosphere.”
Community steps in
The next step was securing a suitable location for a rehabilitation centre. The breakthrough came when Liezl de Villiers, Divisional Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, offered them the opportunity to lease an old building – known as the Old Baboon House – just outside Betty’s Bay.
Watson expressed gratitude for the municipality’s support. “We are incredibly thankful to the Overstrand Municipality for its assistance,” she said. “After securing the property extensive renovations were needed, and that’s when the Kogelberg community stepped in.
“Today the facility features a fully operational emergency clinic, a patient recovery room and a dedicated kitchen for preparing meals for the animals. Additionally, flight enclosures have been constructed to aid in rehabilitation.”
With the facility in place, the team initiated the process of obtaining the necessary permits. Given that this was the first application of its kind, said the team, the process took time.
However, Watson commended CapeNature’s role in making the centre operational. “CapeNature has been incredibly supportive, and we have worked closely together to establish this much-needed facility.”
All animals deserve care
The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre aligns with the broader mission of the biosphere team to protect and preserve natural ecosystems.
“As the Kogelberg Biosphere,” said Hugo, “our work typically focuses on safeguarding entire ecosystems. With this centre, we now have the ability to provide care and protection on an individual level as well.”
No animal is considered too small or insignificant to deserve care. The centre has already provided treatment for dassies (rock hyrax), goslings, various bird species and even snakes. Notably, it has become a crucial sanctuary for orphaned and injured blue cranes, South Africa’s national bird. Since its launch, three orphaned blue cranes have been rehabilitated at the facility.
Although fully operational now, the rehabilitation centre relies entirely on donor funding and community support. Watson highlighted the financial demands of running a wildlife rescue centre and said contributions from family trusts, anonymous donors, conservation organisations and private individuals had been essential in sustaining its efforts.
“We depend on the generosity of those who bring in injured animals and the wider Kogelberg community to help fund our work. The costs are significant, from feeding the animals and covering veterinary expenses to transporting injured wildlife and maintaining proper housing during their recovery.”
As a rehabilitation centre the facility does not allow public visits, to prevent unnecessary human-animal interaction. Watson acknowledged this presented fundraising challenges, but the team remained optimistic. “Despite the difficulties, we can see how much our community values and cares for wildlife. We are committed to making this centre a lasting success, for the animals and the environment.”
For inquiries, or to support the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre, contact Corlie Hugo, coordinator of the Kogelberg Biosphere. at corlie@kogelbergbiosphere.org.za or call 082 380 9071. You can also visit the website www.kogelbergbiosphere.org.za
