Koru Camp just doubled its reach, bringing thousands of children and elders face to face with the wildlife on their doorsteps and inspiring the next generation to fall in love with nature and to protect it.

Greater Kruger, South Africa (29 May 2025) – One of my favourite traditions when entering the Kruger National Park is to play the ‘first animal game’. Everyone picks the animal they hope to see first, and the person who spots it wins. I am a champion at this game, winning it almost every time we visit. It is such a simple thing and yet, it makes me one of the very few privileged people who gets to do it. Hundreds of thousands of people who live on the outskirts of the park don’t have the opportunity to experience the joys of spotting the first animal. But at Koru Camp, that’s changing!

Koru Camp was founded by Peter Eastwood in 2022 as a way to connect children and gogos in the Greater Kruger to the wildlife that they live so very close to. Corné Havenga joined Peter as the CEO in 2023, helping drive the idea to invite local NPOs and school groups to stay at the Big Five camp, where they get to immerse themselves in nature, guided by trained rangers and trackers, who teach them all the wonders of the wild world.

They get to stay overnight in comfortable tents, listening to the hyena laugh as the lions roar in the distance. The children are shown how richly their heritage is intertwined with the animals being protected by the high electric fences.

This connection, from a young age, is the hope for conservation in the future as these bright young minds learn just how important it is to protect the animals, to bring an end to poaching and to celebrate the harmony of human life and animal life. They are destined to become the conservationists of our future.

Koru Camp Launches Revamped Educational Facility to Deepen Community Conservation

Koru Camp is unveiling its newly renovated, off-grid facility on the 3rd of June 2025. With over R13 million invested, the upgrades will allow the camp to double its reach, hosting over 2,000 local beneficiaries per year. The improvements include solar-powered infrastructure, new classrooms, improved accommodation, and a medicinal garden.

The camp, the first of its kind in the region, is celebrating this relaunch and hopes to make an even greater impact in the surrounding communities.

The relaunch event will feature local entertainment, art showcases from the children who will benefit from the camp, and a special appearance by explorer Kingsley Holgate. Koru’s mission is simple: to inspire a love for nature because people protect what they understand and cherish.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of Peter Eastwood, who, like so many before him, visited South Africa and fell deeply in love with its people, its wild spaces and the spirit of Ubuntu. Peter, a New Zealand businessman, first took action when he heard the plight of the Rhino in 2007. He was driven to act and started raising funds to support anti-poaching units.

Through his work, he realised that lasting impact comes not only from fighting poachers but through conservation education and connecting people to the animals and environment around them; that change requires a widespread shift in perspectives through education, inclusion, and firsthand experiences in nature. He saw that people protect what they love, and love comes from understanding and experiences.

Peter has committed a great deal to making Koru Camp a meaningful success. His private camp, Sashwa – River of Stars, known for its tranquillity, is a retreat like no other in the Limpopo region. It offers a connection to nature for guests and those looking to take part in green tourism that truly makes a difference. The camp, which boasts a fully plant-based menu (Koru has a vegetarian menu), hosts yoga sessions on its deck, overlooking the beautiful bush. It connects people who want to make meaningful travel choices, knowing the money they spend goes back into the community.

Since launching Sashwa in November 2024, Peter has committed 100% of its profits to the running of Koru Camp, making both camps all the more meaningful, not only through the educational elements, but through employment too. Both camps are rooting themselves deep within the fabric of the community, determined to make a difference that lasts.

You can learn more about Sashwa and their exclusive launch rates here, and as for Koru Camp, you can find out how to support the initiative here. Each has a unique story to tell, but one is not whole without the other.

Sources: GTG Interview

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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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Just two days after his unforgettable suburban stroll, Gordy the elephant seal has resurfaced in Simon’s Town… still big, still blubbery and still ridiculously adorable.

Western Cape, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Just two days after his surprise city stroll had South Africans glued to their screens, Gordy the elephant seal is back… and he’s safe, snoozing peacefully at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.

Yes, that elephant seal.

The one who turned a sleepy Tuesday morning in Gordon’s Bay into a national moment of joy, curiosity and community connection.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has just confirmed the good news via social media: “ GORDY’S BACK – BUT HE’S SAFE! Our favourite blubbery visitor has hauled out again—this time at the Naval Base in Simon’s Town.”

They added that Gordy is currently in a secure location, far from roads and traffic, and “there’s no immediate risk to his well-being.”

City officials and SPCA Inspectors are on scene, keeping a close eye on him. But for now, Gordy’s just doing what elephant seals do best… lounging. Resting on land (or “hauling out,” as marine folk call it) is completely normal behaviour for these ocean giants, especially when they’re moulting or recovering from long swims.

The gentle giant made headlines earlier this week when he wandered nearly a kilometre inland through Gordon’s Bay, delighting locals and confusing motorists. Videos of him resting his head on a police car bonnet (and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA bonnet) while traffic stopped to accommodate him went viral. Some folks even questioned if the footage was real. (Spoiler alert: it very much was.)

Social media users were quick to name him. Some called him “Gordon” (for obvious reasons), others preferred “Gordy,” and local news guru Gugu Statu affectionately dubbed him “Chonky”… which, let’s be honest, suits him just as perfectly.

But behind the laughter and viral moments was something far more profound: a full-scale, coordinated rescue effort powered by compassion and teamwork.

From SPCA inspectors and marine biologists to the SAPS, traffic officers, Shark Spotters, and even Two Oceans Aquarium—teams moved quickly to ensure Gordy was safe. He was sedated, gently loaded into a game capture trailer, and returned to Koggel Bay, a quieter beach more suitable for a marine mammal of his size.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

This was the moment Gordy/Chonky made its way back home. pic.twitter.com/MipvAFmTAY

— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) May 27, 2025

And now, two days later, our slippery celebrity has reappeared… this time in a spot where he’s away from humans, stress and selfie-seekers.

We absolutely love this story but it isn’t just about a wayward elephant seal. It’s about what happens when a community comes together to show kindness, patience and care for something wild and unexpected. It’s about the kids in pyjamas who came running to see the seal. The neighbours who gave him space. The police officers who gently redirected traffic. The marine experts who worked behind the scenes. And the South Africans across the country who found joy in watching it all unfold.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a 600kg marine mammal with a sense of adventure to bring us together.

Welcome back, Gordy. Rest well big guy… we’ve got your back.

*Just before releasing Gordy on Tuesday, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA team tagged him so that they could monitor (and recognise him) if he visited us again.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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An engaging experience awaited a group of primary school learners as they explored shark behaviour and ocean safety using a variety of interactive tools and games designed for fun and learning by the Shark Spotters team.

Muizenberg, South Africa (28 May 2025) – There’s no better time to learn about nature and its fascinating inner workings than when you’re young and eager.

That is exactly why the Shark Spotters educational team opened the doors to its Information Centre in Muizenberg to the Grade 6 learners from Spine View Primary School for an exciting and educational programme about sharks and ocean safety!

The programme was designed to introduce the youngsters to the fascinating world of shark ecology, with a special focus on shark behaviour.

“Using fun, hands-on tools like shark puppets and real shark specimens, such as jaws, skin, and egg cases, the learners got to see, touch, and explore these incredible creatures up close,” Shark Spotters said.

Learners then dived into a lesson on shark and ocean safety, including a demonstration of how spotting works and the important tools spotters use.

“To test their knowledge, the learners played the Race to Build the Flag game, working together to build all four Shark Spotters flags using puzzle pieces and teamwork.”

In an effort to make sure the young minds were also guided and informed about how to keep safe near the ocean, they also received a featured a practical session by the NSRI on drowning prevention and how to perform CPR.

“This gave the learners important lifesaving knowledge and the confidence to take responsibility for their own safety in and around the water.

“We wrapped up the day with energetic group games like tug of war and grab the cone, bringing big smiles and lots of laughter all around!”

If those bright eyes and wide smiles are anything to go by, it’s safe to say it was certainly an epic day of enviro-learning!

Sources: Shark Spotters

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With unprecedented challenges in the current economic climate, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital faces a crisis in keeping afloat while meeting the demands of vulnerable wildlife needing urgent medical care.

Johannesburg, South Africa (29 May 2025) – A lot is happening in the world, and it saddens our hearts to learn that the suspension of foreign assistance to South Africa has affected those who need all the support to, in turn, help the voiceless and vulnerable.

The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (JWVH) is facing a serious financial crisis as a result of these unforeseen changes in the economy.

“We’ve been forced to dip into our emergency reserves just to keep our doors open.

“Meanwhile, the number of wild animals needing urgent medical care continues to grow,” JWVH said in a post.

JWVH has been a lifeline for countless wildlife animals that have found themselves in situations requiring emergency intervention.

Having celebrated eight years of existence and impact in March of this year, JWVH has done incredible work saving and rehabilitating pangolins, raising Aardwolves, healing porcupettes, mending snakes, and educating us about mole rats and all the other magnificent creatures!

The one-of-a-kind non-profit treats indigenous animals for free, and therefore relies heavily on donations to keep doing the good work they do.

Amid the current wave of uncertainty, the veterinary hospital’s dedicated team is doing all they can, but without support, many wildlife and their well-being will be in jeopardy.

“If you can support us through a donation, a sponsorship, or by connecting us with someone who might be able to help, please reach out.

“Every contribution, even simply sharing this post, makes a difference,” the JWVH team appealed.

To help this organisation continue to rescue, rehabilitate and give wild animals a second chance, donate to their PayFast, PayPal or Snapcan channels or using the banking details below:

Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account: 62658400264
Branch Code: 255355
​Swift code: FIRNZAJJ

Sources: Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital

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After a little African Penguin and the unborn baby she’d been carrying were hit by a car in Simon’s Town, alarm bells raised for drivers to be more cautious. Thankfully, the penguin has successfully recovered.

Cape Town, South Africa (28 May 2025) — In March, a little African penguin was waddling at night when she was hit by a car in Simon’s Town (AKA, Penguin Town).

Luckily, a Simons Town local spotted the penguin’s trouble and quickly got the injured seabird out of the road and away from further harm’s way.

The penguin was taken to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) who care for seabirds in any and all realms of distress. Here, she became known as AP243 as her road to recovery began.

Following medication and X-rays, it was revealed that AP243 had actually been carrying an egg; her baby waiting to be laid.

After over a month of steady recovery work, SANCCOB has announced that not only has AP243 made a remarkable recovery, but she was also released!

Despite the many cheers for AP243 as she waddled away freely, sombre energy was also present as her egg, although laid, did not survive.

“We don’t know if AP243 will ever be able to carry another egg. We don’t know what the long-term effects of this trauma will be. And with the African Penguin population as low as it is, we simply can’t afford to lose a single breeding female,” the SANCCOB team said.

The recovery of AP243 is a reminder that incidents like seabirds being hit by a car simply shouldn’t happen. Conservationists are loudly calling for caution from motorists who find themselves in or near penguin-populated areas like Simons Town, especially as the seabird is classed as Critically Endangered.

“These seabirds cross roads to reach the ocean, and your caution could be the difference between life and death for them,’ SANCCOB said.

The same is true for all animals that have and continue to adapt to urbanisation in areas they either have always called home or those that they’ve been pushed toward due to the human-influenced spoiling of their natural surroundings. Animals like caracals, too, face great threats from cars, and efforts as simple as paying extra attention or slowing down for these animals are worth far more than being a few minutes late for wherever you’re heading.

Sources: Supplied

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It took a village, and then some, to help an elephant seal find his way back to the sea, but what unfolded was nothing short of extraordinary.

Western Cape, South Africa (27 May 2025) – What started as an unbelievable early morning sighting has ended with a heartwarming display of unity, care and kindness. The elephant seal that captured South Africa’s attention by wandering the streets of Gordon’s Bay has officially been returned to the ocean… safe, sound and a little bit famous.

The massive southern elephant seal surprised locals when it made an unexpected appearance almost a kilometre inland from the ocean early on Tuesday morning. As residents blinked in disbelief, the marine visitor cruised down a quiet street, delighting onlookers and stopping traffic, both literally and on social media.

And while the seal appeared calm and unharmed during his curious detour, it was clear the situation posed risks.

That’s when the magic behind the scenes began.

A full-scale, compassionate rescue unfolded with lightning-speed coordination. Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, SAPS, Gordon’s Bay Security and Gordon’s Bay Medical Ambulance Services swiftly arrived to secure the area and redirect traffic, ensuring safety for both the seal and the humans keen to catch a glimpse of him.

From there, a small army of animal welfare heroes stepped in… including the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management and Marine Unit, SANParks, Two Oceans Aquarium, Shark Spotters, and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Together, they formed a dream team of professionals, volunteers, and marine experts, all dedicated to doing what was best for their unexpected guest.

The SPCA carefully monitored the seal’s welfare, calling in a wildlife vet to safely sedate him before the enormous (and delicate) task of loading him into a game capture trailer.

By late afternoon, the vet gave the all-clear and the sleepy seal was transported to Koggel Bay, a coastal spot better suited to his species, where his recovery from sedation was closely observed.

“It truly takes a village,” said SPCA’s Belinda Abraham. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped up today – for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quick response to an animal in distress.”

And that’s the real story here. Yes, the sight of an elephant seal lounging on a suburban street is something most of us will never forget… but even more unforgettable was the way so many people came together to help. It was the traffic cops and security teams rerouting cars. It was the neighbours who stood back, respected the animal and offered words of support. It was the marine biologists, vet teams, and rescuers who worked tirelessly for hours to ensure a safe outcome.

This wasn’t just a surreal wildlife encounter. It was a masterclass in kindness. A powerful reminder that when something strange and beautiful enters our lives, even briefly, we have a choice: to look away or to lean in with empathy and care.

For the residents of Gordon’s Bay (and all South Africans who followed the story online), today’s events won’t just be remembered for the size of the seal. They’ll be remembered for the size of the hearts that made sure he got home.

Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

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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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With no playbook and high risks, South African vets came together to perform a procedure never done before… and gave Houdini his breath back.

Pretoria, South Africa (25 May 2025) – You don’t get a name like Houdini without surviving the impossible… and this four-year-old white rhino has done just that. Not once, but twice.

Years after surviving a brutal poaching attack that left him with a bullet wound through the nose, Houdini faced a new battle: he was slowly losing the ability to breathe. What started as a quiet struggle turned into a life-threatening condition and his carers knew something had to be done. Urgently. Thankfully, a remarkable team of veterinary specialists at the University of Pretoria stepped in, performing a groundbreaking six-hour surgery that gave this rhino a second shot at life. And every breath since has been nothing short of a miracle.

“This is a major problem for rhinos,” said Dr Bester. “Unlike humans, they can only breathe through their noses, and their sense of smell is essential for survival. For Houdini, this wasn’t just a breathing issue – it threatened his quality of life.”

Dr Bester conducted a nasal endoscopy and discovered pink-coloured tissue obstructing Houdini’s right nasal passage. The case was serious and way beyond what could be handled in the bush. So he referred Houdini to Professor Gerhard Steenkamp, a veterinary specialist in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.

A CT scan painted a grim picture: Houdini’s entire right nasal passage was blocked and the obstruction was creeping into the left side too. The bullet that tore through his nose years ago had caused abnormal bone growth, compounding the issue and making every breath a struggle.

Initially, a low-invasive laser surgery was considered but the lesion was too large. The team, including Prof Steenkamp and equine surgery expert Dr Elza Hollenbach, knew that the only option left was an open surgery, a bold move that came with enormous risk.

“We knew we had to act fast,” Prof Steenkamp said. “This wasn’t just about clearing a nasal passage; it was about giving Houdini back his ability to live a normal life.”

But it wasn’t just the surgery that was complex, the anaesthesia was equally daunting. Houdini’s already compromised breathing meant any sedation would be tricky and rhinos are notoriously sensitive under anaesthesia.

Even healthy animals can suffer from serious complications while sedated due to their sheer size and physiology.

Dr Jacques O’Dell, a wildlife vet, along with a specialist anaesthesiology team led by Dr Abdur Kadwa, took on the challenge. They implemented a rare and innovative method called haemodilution, essentially collecting and saving Houdini’s own blood while replacing it temporarily with IV fluids, so that if bleeding occurred, he could be “transfused” with his own blood.

“This method hasn’t been reported in rhinos before,” said Dr Kadwa. “But it has been used in horses, dogs, and cats. To our knowledge, it’s the first time it’s been applied in South Africa, and possibly the world.”

After five hours and 55 minutes under anaesthetic, and a highly delicate surgery that involved cutting into the side of Houdini’s face, the team successfully removed the obstruction.

Houdini was gently moved to a specialised boma where he recovered under the watchful eyes of Dr O’Dell, veterinary students, and the wider Onderstepoort team. Just days later, the little survivor was up and about and by the end of the week, ready to go home.

“Seeing him walk out of the boma, breathing freely again, was an emotional moment for all of us,” said Prof Steenkamp. “He’s a fighter, and he’s earned every breath.”

This isn’t just a story about a rhino. It’s a story about resilience, innovation and what’s possible when people come together to do something extraordinary. It’s a reminder of the fragility of our wildlife and the power we have to help protect it.

And for Houdini, every breath he takes now is a breath filled with hope.

Sources: University of Pretoria 

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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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Not everyone loves snakes, we totally get it! But they play an essential roll in keeping rodent populations under control; puff adders are the latest agricultural heroes says a new Wits study.

South Africa (23 May 2025) – They may not be the most glamorous of Africa’s creatures, and they certainly don’t enjoy the best PR. But those heavy-bodied, slow-moving puff adders we’re all taught to steer well clear of might just be some of the continent’s most valuable agricultural allies.

New research out of the University of the Witwatersrand is changing how we see these often-scary reptiles. According to Professor Graham Alexander, who led the study, puff adders are astonishingly effective at controlling rodent populations, and not just your far-flug mountain rats, but the kind that devastate crops, bankrupt farmers, and chew through food security that is already so fragile in South Africa.

The science is simple but staggering. When rodent populations spike, puff adders can ramp up their food intake by more than 12 times their usual needs. That means, that the more rats there are, the more gluttonous the adders become. Just a hungry puff adder doing what it does best. In fact, individual snakes can gobble up as many as 10 rodents in one go and be ready to hunt again within a week. That’s not just efficiency. That’s pest control with fangs.

Published in Scientific Reports, the proudly South African study makes the case that these snakes offer a free, continuous rodent management service and one that’s far more scalable than most traditional predators. While creatures like weasels or lynx may eat more per animal, puff adders win on sheer numbers. They’re naturally abundant in many African habitats and can quietly soak up rising rodent numbers long before they spiral into full-blown plagues.

“These findings demonstrate that puff adder population management should be an essential component of integrated pest management strategies,” says Alexander. “By protecting these natural controllers, we can harness their remarkable abilities to support both ecosystem health and agricultural productivity across Africa.”

In other words, it’s time we stopped seeing snakes as villains in the agricultural story and started treating them as heroes. They might not be cute. They definitely won’t win any popularity contests. But when it comes to safeguarding food security in a warming, increasingly unpredictable world, puff adders might just be the quiet heroes we never knew we had.

And just in case you missed it, the Snakes of Southern Africa group recently celebrated over 500,000 members. The group is changing the conversation in South Africa regarding snakes, promoting education and its changing (and saving) lives.

Sources: Wits University – Supplied

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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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Casper the White Lion has been spotted roaming the Kruger once again after a bit of time playing ghost. As he is an elder lion, each and every sighting of him is an incredible gem!

Kruger National Park, South Africa (22 May 2025) — Avid wildlife fans will know the Kruger National Park celebrity, Casper the White Lion, well.

A king in the pride of Satara along with his brothers, Casper is a very rare kind of lion considering that there are believed to be a handful of white lions in the wild, with others living in captivity. The fact that Casper has survived numerous odds to get to his golden years is another reason he’s so special (consider how much a cub must survive in order to celebrate their first birthday, then imagine being on the back foot as a rare member of your family likely to be killed off).

A sight of Casper, then, is one that people from all over the world travel to the Kruger to try and experience. Especially as he continues to age and sightings become almost as rare as he is, each moment with Casper nearby is considered a gem!

However, in recent times Casper had seemingly taken his name literally and appeared to play ghost for many weeks. Excitingly, this all changed when the legend decided to reappear along the H6 as tinged by Nicole Lee Schultz via Latest Sightings – Kruger.

The sighting revealed that Casper was not alone thanks to the company of his lion brother, Mfowethu.

But, Casper isn’t the only white lion on the prowl. Rumour has it that there are younger white lions in the park who could take the baton on from the legend when the time comes.

Sources: Latest Sightings; Safaria

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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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