Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

05/12/2025

Not so tiny anymore!

On 18 November we posted a tiny mystery nestling and asked if anyone could identify it… and only one person got it right!

Today we’re sharing a little update: this lesser honeyguide is now two weeks older - and absolutely thriving. The once-fragile pink nestling is now a fat little piggy with a personality to match.

Many people doubted that a bird this young could be successfully raised - but expert, specialised care from our highly skilled team makes all the difference.

Thank you for cheering this tiny survivor on!

Please support our non profit organisation, we can only help them with your assistance.
See our donation page for more details on how to play a part in saving South-Africa’s small creatures.

https://www.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/make-a-donation.html

02/12/2025

CHRISTMAS CAKE RAFFLE!

We are so excited to share this beautiful handcrafted Christmas cake, lovingly baked and donated by the incredibly talented Lorraine Rautenbach.

This stunning creation features delicate rice paper and sugar flowers, festive decorations, and all the magic you’d expect from a special holiday centrepiece.

Cake Details:
• 20cm traditional fruit cake
• Packed with cherries, sultanas, currants, raisins and dates
• Well brandied for that rich, classic flavour
• Nut-free and suitable for those with nut allergies
• Generously serves 10–15 people

How to Enter:
• R100 per ticket
• EFT with your name + phone number as the reference
• The draw will take place on 17 December at 12:00

Banking details for EFT:

Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque Account:
Account number: 626 584 00264
Branch code: 255355

This cake is truly a showstopper — the perfect addition to your festive table, or a beautiful gift for someone special.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping us keep South Africa’s wildlife wild and thriving.

25/11/2025

MEDIA RELEASE

Another Victory for South Africa’s Precious Wildlife:
Young Pangolin Rescued From Illicit Trade

Another extraordinary animal rescue is proving, once again, what is possible when passionate people unite for good. Through the combined efforts of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH), CapeNature, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Airlink and Impact for Wildlife, a young pangolin has been pulled from the clutches of the illicit wildlife trade.

During a routine roadblock outside Beaufort West, sharp-eyed SAPS officers made a heartbreaking discovery: a tiny, poached pangolin hidden inside a box in the boot of a vehicle. Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital was alerted immediately. CapeNature sprang into action, rushing the fragile juvenile to a vet in Oudtshoorn, who stabilised her under the remote guidance of the JWVH pangolin team.

Once she was strong enough to travel, both the young pangolin and her CapeNature guardian were flown to Johannesburg - courtesy of the generous support and rapid coordination of Airlink and Impact for Wildlife. She is now receiving lifesaving, specialist care at JWVH’s dedicated pangolin facility.

Stolen from the wild, terrified, dehydrated and nursing injuries, this little pangolin has suffered more than any wild creature ever should. But because law enforcement acted swiftly, because compassionate partners stepped up, and because of the relentless dedication of the JWVH team, she now has a real chance at healing.

She remains in a critical condition, but our team is cautiously optimistic. With time, expert care, and the resilience that pangolins so often show, we hope to return her - fully recovered - back to the wild where she belongs.

This rescue stands as a powerful reminder: when good people refuse to look away, lives are saved. Together, we can turn the tide for yet another little wild soul.

24/11/2025

A Landmark Victory for Reptile Welfare in South Africa

Today, justice was served at the Palm Ridge Court in one of the most shocking animal-cruelty cases our Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital team has ever encountered.

More than 50 animals (of which most were reptiles) - including illegally poached indigenous reptiles - were found starving, dehydrated, severely ill, or already deceased. The scenes were, in Magistrate Davies’ words: “Utter cruelty on a huge scale” and a reminder that “All animals are sentient beings who suffer just as a human would suffer.”

Parents Held Fully Accountable

A critical outcome of today’s sentencing (where a minor was the principle accused): the court ruled that parents and legal guardians are fully responsible for animals kept on their property - even if those animals “belong” to a minor child. This includes ensuring safe housing, appropriate care, and lawful possession. Neglect on this scale cannot be excused or ignored.

A Historic Ban

Magistrate Davies emphasised that “There will be no suspension of sentence, there must be justice for these animals that suffered.”
Both adult offenders received a fine that totaled R20 000 or 24 months’ imprisonment - and a 20-year ban on owning any animal, of any species.

This is a powerful message to reptile keepers and families across the country: cruelty toward any animal - even those often overlooked, like reptiles - will be met with accountability.

Our deepest thanks to SAPS and the state prosecution team for standing with us through this painful case.

We treat indigenous wildlife free of charge and rely entirely on donations.
Help us continue fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves.

24/11/2025

Today the Johannesburg Wildlife Team is testifying in a severe snake cruelty and illegal-possession case at the Palm Ridge Court. It’s never easy, but it is important.

Snakes - and so many other scaly, misunderstood beings - are so often treated as if they are somehow less deserving of compassion simply because they aren’t fluffy or familiar. Misconceptions, fear, and old myths have done them no favours. But they feel pain. They suffer. And they are just as vulnerable to cruelty as any other animal in human hands.

Standing up for them is part of the work. It’s a duty, really - to be a voice for the creatures society tends to overlook or forget.

The photos shared are not related to the case, they are just examples of our staff working with these amazing creatures.

21/11/2025

Johannesburg Wildlife Vet on CNN’s Call to Earth

We are incredibly proud to share that our work with pangolins has been featured on CNN’s global environmental series Call to Earth.
This segment highlights the heartbreaking challenges pangolins face — and the life-saving work being done right here in Gauteng to give them a second chance at life.

Hidden beneath their armour and nocturnal habits, pangolins play a quiet but essential role in South Africa’s ecosystems. They’re also among the most heavily trafficked mammals on Earth, making every rescue and rehabilitation a small miracle in our conservation landscape.

Johannesburg may be a long way from the bush, but awareness starts here. The more people know these animals exist, the better their chances of survival.


CNN International

At the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, home to Africa’s first dedicated pangolin ward, a devoted team work tirelessly, providing expert care to injured creatures of all kinds.

18/11/2025

THE 2026 JWVH WILDLIFE CALENDAR IS HERE!
�Pre-orders are officially open — and this year’s calendar is our wildest one yet.

Each month features a striking photograph of a patient treated at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, celebrating the incredible diversity of Gauteng’s wildlife. From tiny orphans to majestic antelope, every image tells a story of rescue, treatment, and release.

By pre-ordering your calendar, you’re directly supporting the lifesaving work we do every single day.
�Your purchase helps us treat injured, orphaned, or traumatised wildlife and gives them a second chance at freedom.

📅 Pre-Order Price: R200 (valid until 25 November 2025)�💰 Standard Price: R235 thereafter�📦 Nationwide delivery available (courier fees apply)
Click here to order your calendar now: https://shop.johannesburgwildlifevet.com/product/2026-jwvh-wildlife-calendar-pre-order/

Stock is limited — get yours now and start 2026 with a little bit of wild beauty on your wall!

18/11/2025

Even the tiniest lives matter.
This little patient weighs just a few grams — but to us, his life is as important as any pangolin, owl, or serval that comes through our doors. Tiny babies like this need feeding every hour, day and night, to give them the best possible chance of survival.

In this video I’m feeding him EmerAid Carnivore, generously sponsored by EmerAidVet. Their ongoing support enables us to provide lifesaving nutrition to some of our most fragile patients, and we are deeply grateful.

Now for the fun part: can you identify this little bird?
Pop your guesses in the comments — we’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!

06/11/2025

BLACK FRIDAY OPT-OUT WALK
�28 & 29 November – in support of Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

Tired of the Black Friday rush? Step outside instead.

This Black Friday, we’re choosing presence over pressure — and we invite you to do the same. Join Mindful Walks Jozi for the Black Friday Opt-Out Walk, a mindful alternative to consumerism and a chance to reconnect with nature while supporting the vital work of the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital.

🕊️ What is a mindful walk?�A mindful walk is a gentle, guided experience that invites you to slow down, notice your surroundings, and reconnect with all your senses. It’s not a hike or workout — it’s a moment to breathe deeply, find calm, and rediscover your connection to the natural world.

🗓️ Event details:�Friday, 28 November – Opt Out Anywhere (free online reflection and audio guide)�Saturday, 29 November – The Wilds, Johannesburg (7:30–9:00 AM)�A small, in-person mindful walk by donation (suggested R250–R400).

All proceeds go directly to Johannesburg Wildlife Vet!

For more details on how to sign up click here:
https://forms.gle/53QbfEyXaTo8W15D6

03/11/2025

Help raise funds for Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital through the Woolworths MyDifference programme!

Choose us as your cause and scan your MyDifference card on the Woolies app every time you shop to continue to support us, at no cost to you. Just download the Woolies app and join MyDifference. It’s totally free!

The support we get every time you shop at Woolies is helping us in so many ways. If you are not Woolworths MyDifference member yet, join on their app and choose us as your cause (search for Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital NPC) so we can start to receive your support through the programme.

Here is a step-by-step guide to update/download the Woolworths app:

1. Update or download the Woolworths app: Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Log in to your account: Sign in to your Woolworths account within the app.
3. Navigate to the loyalty section: Tap on the Loyalty tab.
4. Find "My Causes": Select "My Causes" or a similar option to see and manage your beneficiary list.
5. Search for a beneficiary: Use the search function to look for the specific organization, school, or cause you want to support.
6. Select your cause: Choose the correct beneficiary from the search results to add it as your cause.
7. Start shopping: Your purchases will now support your selected cause whenever you scan your virtual MyDifference card at checkout.

You can also click on the following link for information:

https://click.mailwoolworths.co.za/?qs=1acd16a128a9d7ade931bc6bc8dbf6b9d8a1ec2b1176f5e58e526f13404d631428aa0337d6d3dca82d0858b68d0601a2e9dec33d52bd54b4

23/10/2025

Little Kareltjie

This tiny 23g bundle of curiosity was admitted to our hospital yesterday, sent by Highveld Animal Clinic. Kareltjie, a lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi), is still very young and sadly couldn’t be reunited with his mom.

Fortunately, our team is well-versed in caring for South Africa’s smallest primate, and Kareltjie will one day return to the wild where he belongs.

What makes his story even more heartwarming is the blanket keeping him warm. During a recent talk at Jan Celliers Laerskool en Pre-Primêr, Dr K spoke to a group of enthusiastic young conservationists about our work and how even the smallest hands can make a big difference.

Following the talk, we received a huge donation of blankets, cleaning products, animal food, stationery, and more. While unpacking, we found one blanket with a pink note attached — written by the little person who donated it.

Now Kareltjie is wrapped in that very blanket — a reminder of kindness, compassion, and community support - see the video of Kareltjie enjoying his milk in the comments section

Thank you to all the learners for their generosity!
If you’d like to help us care for more little ones like Kareltjie, please scan the QR code in the last photo — it will take you straight to our donation page.

23/10/2025

Join us for an insightful session!

Raptor Sedation and Anesthesia: Practical Approaches in Avian Medicine
with Dr Karin Lourens from the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

Specifically created for the 5th year veterinary students at the Lilongwe University in Malawi, but the organisers said that they welcome anyone interested to join!

Discover the art and science behind safely anesthetizing birds of prey — from gentle handling and premedication to smooth, stress-free recoveries. Learn species-specific protocols, monitoring techniques, and practical tips to enhance your confidence when working with these extraordinary patients.

Date: 24 October 2025 at 08:30
Venue - zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vO6nkSl0RkKOOB53r6BYQg

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of South Africa’s leading wildlife veterinarians!