Wildlife Rescue, Johannesburg.

14/11/2024

SAVC, thank you for the lovely chat. 🥰

14/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DT6mxHqvb/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Very honoured to be a Biosphere Champion for this area that I have fallen in love with. It has given me the opportunity to not only do what I love, but also work at improving the standards of rehab by providing higher levels of training. Anyone who works in wildlife rehabilitation knows, it's about more than just the rehabber. As a trainer my focus is on combing the skills of the registered Veterinarian with the goals of a permitted rehabilitator, to get the best outcome for a wild patient. The one depends on the other.
Thank you to the Kogelberg Biosphere for recognising the role that rehab plays in conservation

For our November Biosphere Champion, living in the Kogelberg Biosphere has changed her life. But she has also changed the face of our Biosphere, by working to start our very own wildlife rescue centre.

Michelle Watson is a wildlife rehabilitator and trainer. Her lifelong dream has been to start her own rescue centre. And once the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre is permitted, it will be the first of its kind in the Western Cape. From here, the rescue team will work to mitigate human/wildlife conflict and return healthy wildlife back into the wild. The centre will also serve as a training hub for young conservationists wanting to enter the field of wildlife rehabilitation, by providing internationally recognised qualifications.

Michelle, who moved to the biosphere after living in Johannesburg for 20 years, says the biosphere is “literally a breath of fresh air”. For this trailblazer, education is key, to empower people to make decisions that will positively impact on the environment. She adds, “We can all benefit from knowing and appreciating our wild neighbours, understanding their needs and finding a harmonious way to live alongside them.”

Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife

25/10/2024

This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting a 2 day workshop at CROW - Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife in Durban, and got to meet the most awesome team members, rescuers and rehabbers. The two day workshop covered everything from Animal welfare to Zoonotic diseases and gave First Responders the skills needed to save lives in the field. A big thank you to Sue, Cliff and team for hosting us in your fantastic education center.
🌿 For 44 years, CROW has been dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured, abandoned, and orphaned wildlife, returning them to their natural habitats. As a leader in wildlife care and environmental education, they are passionate about protecting South Africa’s diverse species, including lions, rhinos, and jackals. Their mission goes beyond just saving animals—it’s about inspiring the next generation to recognize the importance of conservation efforts.
Biosphere Wildlife

03/10/2024

30/09/2024

30/09/2024

One of my favorite restaurants in Pringle Bay, Menucha Coffee and Crafts, have an amazing selection of second-hand books which they sell to raise money for charities. We are so grateful to Sarie Homan for selecting the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center as the recipient of a wonderful donation. This money will go towards providing our future patients with the correct diet to help them on their way to being wild again.
Once we are open and permitted by Cape Nature, we expect to received a wide range of indigenous and endemic species. Before I came to the Western Cape, I raised numerous Large and Small Spotted Genets which are common in our towns and cities. The 2 male neonates in the attached photo where rescued after a tree felling company chopped down their home. The workers then tossed these babies onto the garbage heap, where they were thankfully found by a rescuer before they died. I raised them to the point where they would survive on their own in the wild, and after a long soft-release process they went on to live wild, healthy lives. They were still seen on a trail camera a year later ( in 2011)
Since then I have raised many more species, and have fought many battles with Tree Felling companies. Spring is NOT the time to prune back large trees. Please be aware that at this time of year there are families raising their young in your garden. Enjoy the fact that we can still see them. To support our work please go to www.kogelbergbiosphere.org

25/09/2024

Another casualty of the R44.- A 3 kg Female Mongoose, whose young pup was also killed the next day.
Since moving to the Western Cape 2 years ago, with the plan to start up a much needed wildlife rescue center in the Overberg, I have done nothing but deal with the red tape that goes along with that!
Well, not "nothing" .....
I have also been trying to raise awareness about the high death toll on the R44 which runs by our center. While the speed limit is reduced to 80 km in Bettys Bay and Rooi-Els, the section in between which passes Pringle Bay is 100km. In the time I have been here, there have been many, many animals killed on this section of road. Grysbok are killed at an average of one a month, genets, mongoose, and owls are found on this section weekly, and I have lost count of how many chameleons have been squashed on the tar. Every morning on my way to the center I scan the road, fearing the worst.
Thank you to the ladies from Pringle Bay Rewilding who have taken on this cause, it needs to be address. And to the Keyboard warriors who call me names or insult my efforts, well you can just go and ........ Read more.

24/09/2024

If you are keen to get involved in wildlife rescue, and live near fourways, then this is your chance to get a foot in the door.

Interested in what we do and how you can get involved? Join us at our next orientation day on 5 October.

24/09/2024

Sharing this stunning picture from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA just because I really love it. Happy Heritage Day.

🌍 Happy Heritage Day! 🇿🇦

As we celebrate our rich and diverse cultures today, let’s also honour the animals that are intricately woven into the fabric of our traditions and heritage. 🦁🐾

From the majestic lions and elephants that inspire our stories and our art to the beloved pets that fill our homes with love, animals have profoundly shaped our cultures and remain a vital part of who we are. 🌍💚

Today, let’s remember the animals that enrich our shared heritage and pledge to cherish and protect them for generations to come! 🐘🐕🦏

20/09/2024

Cute.

23/08/2024

Swellendam, Wildlife Rescue SA is coming your way. See details in photo.

16/08/2024

Please note: I am no longer located in JHB, but Facebook won't allow me change the page name! This page belongs to Wildlife Rescue SA, which is part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and Training Center in Pringle Bay Western Cape. But while I have your attention.... anyone able to ID this hatchling? It has doubled in size in the few days it has been with me, but I am still only guessing...

23/07/2024

Last 2-day workshop of the year to be held at the KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE WILDLIFE RESCUE TRAINING CENTER:
If you live in the Western Cape, now is your chance to book this 2 day course at last years' rate. Only 10 students will be accepted so early booking is essential. WhatsApp Michelle to reserve your seat. 0733140674.

23/07/2024

What an honor to be associated with this awesome bunch of conservationist and nature lovers.

Please follow and like this page for more information and news about the exciting partnerships and developments at the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue and training center.
I cannot thank Pringle Bay Rewilding enough for the generous donation of Cosmic Pet carriers which they presented to the center on this day. They are already getting well used. Also thank you to Tweet from Village news for covering this important event.

13/07/2024

The next course will be held at the Center in the last weekend in August. Early booking is essential.

To book your space, please whatsapp Michelle on 073 314 0674