A tiny dormouse found itself a very big-hearted hero in nine-year-old Ivan. A local animal shelter wants to make sure that his kindness doesn’t go unnoticed!
Gauteng, South Africa (06 October 2026) – Few things are sweeter than seeing a child instinctively choose kindness, especially when a little animal is counting on it.
Nine-year-old Ivan Murdorvic and his mom, Elize, recently came across an injured dormouse in Vastfontein and decided to become heroes for their smallest new friend.
Word of their rescue reached non-profit Soshanguve Animal Shelter through Leanne from the SA Wildlife Rehab Centre.
The shelter immediately stepped in, taking the dormouse to Onderstepoort Veterinary Hospital for the veterinary care it needed for an injured tail and hind leg.
Of course everyone is understandably rooting for the tiniest patient, but the shelter would also like to celebrate the young boy who gave it that chance! They are hoping someone might help them surprise Ivan with a small prize for being such a wonderful little wildlife hero…
Nothing extravagant is needed. In fact, we reckon something connected to his love of animals would be great – perhaps a wildlife book, a little nature explorer kit, a cuddly dormouse or other wildlife toy, an animal-themed hamper, a voucher to choose something special himself or even an opportunity for an animal or wildlife experience.
“We would love to surprise Ivan!” the animal shelter writes, in its appeal to supporters who might find it in their hearts to sponsor Ivan’s prize. “It doesn’t have to be anything big just something special to show him that his kindness and compassion are appreciated.”
Soshanguve Animal Shelter and Educentre spends much of its time helping dogs in distress, but rescue is only part of its work. The non-profit also focuses on education, particularly helping children understand animals, their needs and the responsibility that comes with caring for them.
Through programmes and campaigns including Walk The Dog, Hero of the Month, Make a Feeling and Youth Debates, the organisation encourages conversations around animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and some of the misconceptions people may have about animals.
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Salt River High is Turning Raindrops into Conservation and Community ResilienceTeaching children to care about animals raises the next generation of responsible pet owners. It also encourages them to notice when another living thing is frightened, hurt or vulnerable. It teaches patience, gentleness and empathy. It helps children understand that animals aren’t toys, and that knowing when to step back, call an adult or get professional help is part of caring for them too.
It teaches that a life doesn’t become less worthy of help because it happens to be small. A lesson Ivan just earned his gold stars in!
One day these lessons might lead to helping an injured dog, moving a tortoise out of danger safely, calling a wildlife organisation for an injured bird or even better yet, a young person deciding they want to become a future vet!
Ivan may only be nine, and his patient may have been very, very small, but there was nothing little about the kindness he showed. If you’d like to sponsor a little prize for Ivan, please find out more here.
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