The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre officially opened its doors this week, dedicated to helping all the animals, big and small.
Betty’s Bay, South Africa (19 February 2025) – The Western Cape has reached a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the establishment of the first permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre. The newly opened Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre is already providing critical care to injured and displaced wildlife, addressing the increasing impact of human activity on the region’s biodiversity.
Located just outside Betty’s Bay, the centre is situated within the Kogelberg Biosphere, South Africa’s oldest biosphere. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1998, the 100,000-hectare area is home to rare fynbos vegetation, vital wetlands and diverse wildlife. The biosphere extends from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay, encompassing the inland towns of Grabouw and Botriver.
While the centre received its official operating permits from CapeNature in December, its formal inauguration took place on Tuesday, 18 February. Unlike other facilities, this centre is the first in the Western Cape permitted to release indigenous birds, mammals and reptiles back into the wild, ensuring their full recovery and reintegration into their natural habitats.
Biodiversity facing unprecedented threats
Corlie Hugo, Coordinator of the Kogelberg Biosphere, said,
“We are incredibly proud to be the first centre of its kind in the Western Cape, serving our natural world in this capacity. This initiative could not have come at a more crucial time, as biodiversity faces unprecedented threats on multiple fronts.”
The urgency of wildlife rescue was underscored during the devastating 2022 Kleinmond fires. Reflecting on the crisis, Hugo said,
“During the fire, many of us worked tirelessly to save tortoises, chameleons and other vulnerable animals caught in the flames. It was then that I decided to turn my long-standing dream of establishing a rehabilitation centre into reality.”
Following the fires, Hugo reached out to Michelle Watson, a certified wildlife rehabilitator and one of the first South Africans accredited by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. Watson also trains first responders in wildlife rescue. During a visit from Gauteng to train local volunteers, Watson and Hugo recognised the urgent need for a dedicated rescue centre in the Western Cape.
“Michelle had always envisioned starting a facility in the Cape,” Hugo explained. “That’s when we decided to make this happen under the umbrella of the Kogelberg Biosphere.”
The community steps in
The next step was securing a suitable location for a rehabilitation centre. The breakthrough came when Liezl de Villiers, Divisional Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, offered them the opportunity to lease an old building – known as the Old Baboon House – just outside Betty’s Bay.
Watson expressed gratitude for the municipality’s support:
“We are incredibly thankful to the Overstrand Municipality for their assistance. After securing the property, extensive renovations were needed, and that’s when the Kogelberg community stepped in. Today, the facility features a fully operational emergency clinic, a patient recovery room and a dedicated kitchen for preparing meals for the animals. Additionally, flight enclosures have been constructed to aid in rehabilitation.”
With the facility in place, the team initiated the process of obtaining the necessary permits. Given that this was the first application of its kind, the process took time. However, Watson commended CapeNature’s role in making the centre operational.
“CapeNature has been incredibly supportive, and we have worked closely together to establish this much-needed facility.”
All animals deserve care.
The Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre aligns with the broader mission of the biosphere team: to protect and preserve natural ecosystems. Hugo said,
“As the Kogelberg Biosphere, our work typically focuses on safeguarding entire ecosystems. With this centre, we now have the ability to provide care and protection on an individual level as well.”
No animal is considered too small or insignificant to deserve care. The centre has already provided treatment for dassies (rock hyrax), goslings, various bird species and even snakes. Notably, it has become a crucial sanctuary for orphaned and injured blue cranes, South Africa’s national bird. Since its launch, three orphaned blue cranes have been rehabilitated at the facility.
Although the centre is now fully operational, it relies entirely on donor funding and community support. Contributions from family trusts, anonymous donors, conservation organisations and private individuals have been essential in sustaining its efforts.
Making this centre “a lasting success”
Watson highlighted the financial demands of running a wildlife rescue centre:
“We depend on the generosity of those who bring in injured animals and the wider Kogelberg community to help fund our work. The costs are significant – from feeding the animals and covering veterinary expenses to transporting injured wildlife and maintaining proper housing during their recovery.”
As a rehabilitation centre, the facility does not allow public visits to prevent unnecessary human-animal interaction. Watson acknowledged that this presents fundraising challenges but remains optimistic.
“Despite the difficulties, we can see how much our community values and cares for wildlife. We are committed to making this centre a lasting success – for the animals and the environment.”
You can support the team by connecting here.
Sources: Supplied
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