How everyday garden plants are helping tortoises, dassies and monkeys to heal at a wildlife hospital in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 July 2025) – Got a soft spot for animals and love nature and growing plants? You might be the perfect wildlife hero! In Johannesburg, there is a very special place called the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH). It is the first hospital in South Africa that helps small to medium wild animals, and they do it all for free! They are fully registered and work closely with the Department of Environmental Affairs.
Animals come to the hospital from all over South Africa. Some are common, while others are very rare. The team helps all kinds of animals, from birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, and even spiders! The hospital is led by Dr Karin Lourens, also known as Dr K. She is one of the top vets in the world who treats pangolins, a very special and endangered animal.
If you want to see the animals they care for, you can head over to their Instagram page! You will find cute and interesting photos and videos of the team feeding baby owls, tortoises, and many more animals. This is a wonderful look into their daily work.
For those who enjoy organic gardening, there is a lovely way to support the animals at the hospital. Some of the wild patients, such as tortoises, dassies, and vervet monkeys, eat natural plants as part of their recovery. The team uses garden clippings to feed them and keep them healthy. Plants like:
- Spekboom,
- Spineless prickly pear cactus,
- Geraniums,
- Mother of pearl,
- Heartleaf ice plant,
- Varkore,
- African horned cucumbers,
- And any stone crop (Sedum) is helpful.
These plants help keep the animals strong and healthy.
At JWVH, every animal matters no matter how big or small. With love, care, and help they are giving wild animals a second chance at life.
Sources: Johannesburg Wildlife Vet
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