There are animal welfare heroes of every kind in South Africa, men very much included. But this Women’s Month, the spotlight shines on women leading with love for animals.
South Africa (23 August 2026) – Behind so much of South Africa’s animal welfare work are women doing everything! They are shaping policy, they’re in the clinic treating rescued animals, and they’re educating communities and making sure the voiceless are heard.
Animal welfare is not only about stepping in when an animal needs rescuing. It is a vast field that involves pushing for better laws, improving how those laws are enforced and finding solutions that prevent suffering from happening.
That is a space in which women across South Africa are playing a massive role.
“Animal welfare cannot be treated as a secondary issue. It is fundamentally linked to public health, community safety and environmental sustainability,” says Fiona Miles. “We need policy frameworks that prioritise humane, science-based solutions such as reduced stocking densities, sterilisation, vaccination and responsible ownership. These are not optional; they are essential components of a more humane and sustainable future.”
Miles, together with the FOUR PAWS team, has been a leading voice for stronger animal welfare legislation and greater recognition of the connection between the wellbeing of animals, people and the environment.
“Meaningful progress requires both political will and community partnership,” she adds. “Women are uniquely positioned at this intersection driving change on the ground while also shaping the systems that sustain it.”
Then there are the women caring for animals once rescue has already become necessary, giving them dignity they’ve already been denied.
At LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary in the Free State, around 80 rescued big cats now have a permanent safe home after lives that included exploitation in circuses, zoos and private ownership. The sanctuary is managed by Hildegard Pirker, whose work centres on giving these animals the space and care they deserve.
“Sanctuary work is about more than rescue it is about rehabilitation,” says Pirker. “Each animal has a history of exploitation, and our responsibility is to provide an environment where they can recover physically and mentally, at their own pace and retain the newly found wellbeing for the rest of their lives.”
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Alongside her is on-site veterinarian Dr Christine Steyrer, who treats the often complicated health problems rescued big cats arrive with.
“Many of the animals we receive show the long-term consequences of neglect, trauma and inadequate care,” says Dr Steyrer. “Our approach is rooted in both veterinary science and compassion ensuring each animal receives individualised treatment that supports their overall wellbeing.”
Animal welfare is not a line of work padded with sunshine and rainbows. It often involves heartbreak, many hours of sacrifice, and a selflessness that so many incredible female animal heroes carry with absolute grace.
Of course, plenty of brilliant men give their time, careers and hearts to animal welfare too. This particular round of applause, however, belongs to the ladies. Thank you for helping shape what better animal welfare can look like in South Africa.
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