Steve is a wildlife rescuer and monkey hero facing one of the most difficult battles. South Africans are stepping in to make sure the next chapter is one he walks through with support.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (30 June 2026) – Thousands of injured and orphaned animals have had a second chance thanks to Steve and his work with Monkey Helpline. For decades, he has volunteered in rehabilitating and protecting wildlife across the KZN.
After spending so long helping animals in need, Steve now needs a helping hand himself as he battles cancer.
Steve and his partner, Carol Booth, have volunteered full-time at Monkey Helpline for years, caring for rescued vervet monkeys as well as many other wild and farm animals at their rescue and sanctuary. Despite working around the clock, neither of them receives a salary. They choose instead to dedicate their lives to the animals in their care.
Steve has made our headlines before. He, along with rescue companion Daniel Stewart, were the heroes who rescued three vervet monkeys from a shipping container out at sea last year. Steve and Carol are also looking after Nunu, a rescued pig with a painful history who now enjoys a comfortable, pampered lifestyle under their care.
There are hundreds of stories – particularly involving rescued vervet monkeys – where Steve and Carol have been the heroes who made a difference.
Steve has stood strong in his battle against cancer. He has undergone multiple surgeries, immunotherapy and radiation treatment, all while continuing to help with rescues and care for the sanctuary’s animals. Sadly, Carol recently shared that the cancer has returned and spread.
The treatment and pain medication have taken a heavy toll. Steve is no longer able to drive, which means the team cannot respond to as many rescue call-outs as they once did. While Monkey Helpline will continue helping wherever possible, Carol says they are now relying heavily on volunteers, rescue assistants and supporters to keep their vital work going while she focuses on caring for Steve and the many animals already at the centre.
Wanting to give something back to someone who has given so much, local supporter Leanne Johnstone started an online crowdfunding campaign to help ease the financial burden of Steve’s treatment.
“Such a kind, compassionate, selfless, beautiful soul! Someone who has dedicated his entire life to the love and care of our furry friends! Now it’s time to give back…” the campaign reads.
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In two days, the campaign had already raised more than R45,000 towards its R80,000 goal, with messages of love and support pouring in for Steve, alongside donations.
“Steve, you changed more lives than you will ever know, both human and animal. Whenever life feels heavy, remember that you’ve already made an extraordinary difference. That is something no illness can ever take away,” wrote one supporter.
“Its time for payback. Thank you for doing the things no one else wants to do. Its not gone unnoticed,” another shared.
As he faces one of the toughest challenges of his life, the community that he has showed up for through so many rescues is making sure he doesn’t face this journey alone.
If you’d like to support Steve and help ease the cost of his ongoing treatment, you can contribute to the campaign and be part of giving back to a man who has spent his life helping others. If you’d like to support Monkey Helpline and its work, you can contribute here.
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