Over time and countless trips to the bush we have developed a passion for pangolins and their plight. The launch of Pango Inspired will hopefully create pangolin awareness and help with fund raising for the Johannesburg Wildlife Vet. This remarkable institution came to our attention through friends who volunteer their time for pangolin rehabilitation. It is a dedicated WILDLIFE ONLY facility that rehabilitates small to medium wildlife animals indigenous to South Africa. The team are passionate about what they do.  Their aim is to become a world class facility that will serve as a teaching hospital for interested students.

What’s crucial to understand here is:

• Care is not provided for domestic animals.
• The animal patients do not have owners
• All treatment of wildlife is free of charge
• All funding comes from the community and corporate sponsors.

The Wildlife Vet is a first of its kind.  Their mission emphasizes the conservation of medium and small wildlife species, often overshadowed in broader conservation efforts. Species treated include: bats, owls, raptors, mongoose, pangolin, meerkat, serval, genet and bush babies, to name just a few. Without the care of specialists, the recovery and rehabilitation of these injured animals is often jeopardized.  A dedicated full-time veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitation specialist oversee treatment of animals at the hospital.

The Directors

From left to right : Dr Karin Laurens, Wendy Willson, Elna Pretorius

Dr Karin Lourens

Dr K is the co-founder and head veterinarian of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital. Having qualified in 2002 she started her veterinary career in small animal practice where – over the years – she developed an interest in wildlife veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation of small and medium South-African species. In 2017 she opened a veterinary hospital and combined it with a wildlife rehabilitation center.  This is the only one of its kind in South-Africa. The goal of this facility is the treatment, rehabilitation and release of wild animals back into the wild.

One of the species the hospital specializes in is the Temminck’s pangolin. Dr K has gained extensive experience in treating and rehabilitating this species and completed her master’s degree in February 2020 (cum laude) on the normal reference intervals for clinical chemistry and haematology in Temminck’s pangolin – this work has since been published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science. Dr K is co-author of Chapter 29 – ‘Veterinary Health of Pangolins’ in the book ‘Pangolins- Science, Society and Conservation’ published by the IUCN and she is a member of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group.

She is currently the most experienced veterinarian, worldwide, treating this species of pangolin. Dr K is passionate about conservation. To date, she has worked with more than 300 indigenous species of birds, mammals and reptiles. She is working towards opening a teaching facility for veterinary students and nurses interested in treating and rehabilitating small and medium South-African wildlife.

Wendy Willson

After finishing University Wendy joined the ranks of the South African Police Force in the field of conservation and as the founder and manager of the NSPCA Special Investigations Unit. Wendy’s work in animal conservation and crime prevention has taken her to numerous countries. She has spoken on multiple national and international platforms on subjects which include prosecution of animal crime, the human/animal crime interface, violence against humans and animals, and animal welfare. Wendy was the 2018 recipient of the Woman in Law Enforcement Award of Heroism for her dedication and acts of bravery in the combating of violent animal crime.

Wendy joined the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in 2022 as their operations and legal lead.

Elna Pretorius

In 2008 Elna co-founded Columinate, the first digital market research agency in South Africa.  A research psychologist by training, Elna is highly skilled in managing client relationships, sales, marketing, branding and people.  “Retired” at age 34 and with a list of accolades and awards in the bag, Elna lends her skills part-time to select NPOs.  As the latest director of Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital she hopes to facilitate growth and expansion for the ambitious team.

How can YOU help?

The Johannesburg Wildlife Vet is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) and a Public Benefits Organisation (PBO). The community’s generosity and support help them provide the best possible care for their little “wild” patients. Help them save our wildlife by making a donation.

Donate NOW or visit their ONLINE SHOP

Photo Credits and Information : Johannesburg Wildlife Vet