Against their will, Grace and Thomas Khumalo’s braai area turned into an Airbnb for owls in what has become a hilarious series of events that has seen the same owl family come back to the braai time and time again.

Gauteng, South Africa (29 May 2025) — The first time the Khumalo’s realised they were unknowingly running an Airbnb for Owls, it was a bit of a drama and an event; Thomas and Grace Khumalo thought it would be a one-time thing.

In May last year, it was revealed that the Khumalo’s built-in braai had been chosen by a breeding pair of Barn Owls as the perfect accommodation to raise their fledglings. None-the-wiser, the human couple were caught completely off guard when they discovered the feathered family (it’s not every day three owls choose your braai to nest, after all).

Enter wildlife rescuer and accidental owl concierge Shawn Hefer.

As the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center recall, Shawn arrived to help both families and “with the air of someone who’s opened one too many owl filled ovens, Shawn calmly approached the braai door. The moment he opened it, one of the three owls launched itself into the room in a flurry of wings and indignation.”

Shawn caught the owl carefully while a shocked Grace watched the scene unfold.

Eventually, the owls were taken to their new (and far more fitting accommodation) at the Owl Rescue Centre.

However, this was not the last the Khumalo’s would see of their owl guests. Fast forward to this year, and guess who came back for another stay in the braai?

“The same feathered squatters, clearly feeling nostalgic (or just opportunistic), returned for round two after discovering the chimney was still blissfully unmeshed. (Hey.. If it ain’t blocked, why stop the flock)?” The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center shared.

This time, a teen owl (a young fledgling) had made himself at home, and Shawn once again got the Khumalo’s call.

This rescue was an easier effort as Shawn set the fledging on the ground and watched him fly off into the sunset.

But, he’d clearly given the braai a five-star review, as just a few weeks later, another female fledging popped by!

“When the third owl-related WhatsApp lit up on Shawn Hefer’s phone, he didn’t even blink. He just burst out laughing. Of course it was Grace and Thomas. Of course it was another Barn owl in their braai. (At this stage, we’re considering a loyalty card)!” The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center commented.

Hot on the case again, the owl was carefully moved from her accommodation and into the rehabilitation centre’s clinic to join other fledglings.

The urgency to mesh the area had never been more clear to the Khumalo’s.

As the SA Wildlife Rehabilitation Center share in reference to meshing the chimney,

“Thomas, with a weary smile and the haunted look of a man who’s learned the hard way that owls will be back, promised to sort it out.”

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

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Today is Brendan Murray’s birthday! The living legend and Director of the Owl Rescue Centre, who goes through the bush, mud, and even elbow-deep into some rather uncomfortable situations to save wildlife in need!

Hartbeespoort, South Africa (06 May 2025) – He’s followed leads into the township of Thembisa to capture a baboon and get him to a vet, saved a badly injured vervet monkey with his trusted K9 hero, Flash, and given many owls a sanctuary to call home. In fact, Brendan Murray has rescued and given countless animals, big and small, a second chance at life!

Today is this wildlife hero’s 53^rd birthday! To mark the special occasion while celebrating a life dedicated to looking out for defenceless creatures, the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) have urged followers to thank this hero for all he does, day in and day out, year after year, through donating to the Owl Rescue Centre.

“No rescue is too wild, too muddy, too bitey, or too bizarre for Brendan. He tackles everything from feathery flutters to fangy fiascos with his signature enthusiasm, and usually walks away with a few new scars and a story or two.

“If you’ve ever crossed paths with him, chances are he was elbow-deep in some wildlife drama while smiling like it’s Christmas,” SAWRC fondly shares.

Brendan has done and continues to do so much without expecting anything in return. According to the Owl Rescue Centre, where he is a director, this morning, he has already been hard at work tackling a list of animals that need care!

To make his birthday a little extra special, SAWRC invites you to give back to this living legend by donating to the centre he serves with nothing but heart.

Payments can be made to the Owl Rescue Centre PayPal account, the banking details below or via the donatiom page on the organisation’s website here.

Banking details

Owl Rescue Centre NPC
Nedbank Current Account
Account Number: 103 081 9580
Branch Code: 198 765

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre | Owl Rescue Centre

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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A lifeless mommy chameleon brought into the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was discovered to have 44 perfectly formed eggs nestled within her. Through delicate and professional care, 18 of them hatched, giving birth to resilient green miracle babies who could have easily ceased to exist!

Johannesburg, South Africa (17 April 2025) – One year ago, the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) received a lifeless flap-neck chameleon whose body carried one final gift: a string of 44 perfectly formed eggs!

Determined to give these potential baby chameleons a chance at life, the eggs were gently and carefully removed and rushed to Sr. Cassy Ure at Craighall Veterinary Hospital. She stepped in to assist with her unwavering dedication and expertise.

“The odds were stacked heavily against success, but that had not stopped Sr. Cassy before.

“Months of patient incubation followed. Then, against all expectations, the first tiny hatchling emerged,” shared SAWRC.

Against all odds, and in a way that would warm the heart of any nature lover, more and more eggs began to hatch, resulting in the emergence of 18 little green, resilient babies!

These chameleons have gone on to thrive thanks to the delicate and professional care of all those involved. And a few weeks ago, the young chameleons, healthy and strong, were released into a pristine paradise.

These little lives were never meant to exist when their mother succumbed to her injuries, and yet, they are here today, climbing, camouflaging, and probably arguing over the best branch, completely unaware of the extraordinary effort that gave them a second chance!

Their survival illustrates the remarkable impact of collaboration. Huge thanks go to SAWRC, Sr. Cassy Ure, the entire team at Craighall Veterinary Hospital, Leanne Hezlett, who took over care of the chameleons for a while just before release and for selecting the perfect safe space for them at Hettie and Neels’ farm.

Teamwork made the impossible possible, and we’re in awe of what every member managed to achieve for these little lives!

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

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Cotton is a young leopard tortoise that arrived at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in a devastating condition with a shell as soft as bread- a clear indicator of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Springs, South Africa (21 February 2025) – When a little leopard tortoise about three years old was handed over to South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s Leanne Hezlett, she could immediately tell something was wrong. Claimed to have been found on the side of the road, she had doubts and was utterly devastated by the poor creature’s condition.

According to the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC), the tortoise’s shell was so soft that it felt like a soft, pliable loaf of bread in Leanne’s hand, an unmistakable sign of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

As a sad result, Cotton, as she has now been named, struggles to walk, eat, and breathe.

Her MBD condition, which is entirely preventable, is believed to have resulted from being kept as a pet on a poor diet and receiving improper care, depriving her of a full life.

Leanne suspects that Cotton was kept as a pet, likely illegally, and fed the wrong foods, which led to imbalanced calcium and phosphorus levels.

“In the wild, leopard tortoises graze on a variety of nutrient-rich grasses, weeds, and flowers, basking under the sun to synthesize essential Vitamin D3,” SAWRC explains.

Hope for Cotton

Despite Cotton’s dire state, hope is on the horizon, thanks to the dedication of Leanne and the expertise of Dr Robert Campbell.

They’ve developed a tailored treatment plan, including supplements, sunlight exposure, and pain management, to give Cotton a fighting chance.

“Treating MBD is complex and requires Calcium and Vitamin D3 with a host of other supplementation in correct amounts to restore bone density. Sunlight exposure promotes natural Vitamin D3 synthesis, and frequent pain management and supportive care to improve mobility and quality of life,” says SAWRC.

Wild Animals Aren’t Pets

Cotton’s condition is a stark reminder of the consequences of ignorance and neglect. And importantly, that wild animals belong in the wild.

“Wild animals are not pets. We urge anyone considering a reptile as a pet to research thoroughly and understand the responsibility it entails.

“A poor diet or inadequate care can lead to irreversible suffering, just like this tortoise is experiencing now.”

Thanks to compassionate experts like Leanne and Dr Campbell, there is a glimmer of hope for this tortoise’s recovery.

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

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When a family of Egyptian Geese found themselves stranded and facing the dangerous task of crossing a busy road, concerned citizens sprang into action. SAWRC volunteers Jenette and Lynette responded swiftly, carefully guiding the goslings and their parents to reach the safety of a nearby pan.

Johannesburg, South Africa (06 January 2025) – All hearts beat the same and every family -whether feathered, furry, scaly or otherwise- deserves safety and a helping hand in times of trouble and uncertainty.

Members of the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC) didn’t hesitate to come through for a family of Egyptian Geese, which they had noticed trying to move their goslings to the closest body of water.

Onlookers Brian, Salome, and Davine were determined to ensure the little ones’ safety after they landed in a garden from a high nesting tree and called the centre for help.

SAWRC volunteers Jenette and Lynette responded swiftly, carefully guiding the goslings in a secure cage, while the anxious parents flew ahead as they navigated a 1km walk.

“Whilst the distance was not insurmountable for the tiny birds, the route presented a dangerous challenge: crossing the very busy Great North Road, where traffic speeds rarely dip below ‘floor it’,” shared SAWRC.

What followed was a cautious and nerve-wracking escort to safety. The crossing of Great North Road was especially tense. The adult geese, distressed about their young, flew ahead, landing on the main road dangerously close to the rushing traffic, narrowly missing getting hit.

“Onlookers stopped to observe the commotion, with some offering words of encouragement.

“The walk continued slowly but steadily, with both parent geese staying close by, seemingly beginning to understand that the rescuers were helping their young. Their constant calls of reassurance kept the goslings calm as the group approached the pan,” SAWRC detailed.

Finally, reaching the safety of a nearby pan, the goslings were released. The heartwarming reunion of the family, with the parents swiftly reuniting with their young before swimming off, brought immense relief and joy to all involved.

A sweet rescue and an even sweeter reminder of how small acts of kindness can lead to extraordinary moments!

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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One thing Mzansi will do is come together for a great cause! Thanks to generous donations, the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was able to purchase a reliable vehicle to help them rescue and rehabilitate even more injured animals, providing them with the care they so rightfully deserve.

Springs, South Africa (17 December 2024) – Thanks to you South Africa, more wild animals will be reached and assisted in the nick of time by the experts and volunteers of the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC).

Through generous donations and well-supported fundraisers, the centre’s savings grew to reach its target of purchasing a reliable vehicle to support its rehabilitation efforts.

“After careful searching, we found the perfect fit. A beautiful 2009 Corsa 1.4 utility. The owner, Bart Tweelinckx, an avid wildlife supporter, kindly agreed to the sale for what we had raised,” SAWRC said.

The vehicle underwent some serious TLC, receiving a new engine, full service, the replacement of front shocks, brake repairs and other mechanical up-dos to get in tip-top shape to attend to the numerous calls SAWRC receives concerning animals in distress or harmful situations.

Tears of joy welled up in the eyes of SAWRC CEO, Judy Davidson as the serviced and customised vehicle drove through the centre’s gates for the first time recently. Undeniably a moment of pure joy and emotion.

“A massive thank you to everyone who contributed, whether it was R2 or a generous R5,000, whether it was time, goods or an integral part played quietly in the background to make this happen!

“Each donation has made a monumental difference! Transporting big animal crates or large traps in a tiny Golf was impossible, but this Corsa is truly perfect for the job,” said the SAWRC team with hearts filled with gratitude.

Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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