How It All Began
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1991. A businessman from Pretoria in South Africa, Mr Strijdom, owned the farm where the centre is located and asked Brian Jones to establish and run it. Brian, already known for his work with wild animals, had a Crowned Eagle in his care, and his reputation in wildlife rehabilitation grew quickly.
From a young age, Brian had been helping injured and orphaned animals, building extensive knowledge about Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre NPC and its mission to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. Soon, various animals, orphaned, injured, or poisoned, were being brought to him for rehabilitation. The centre’s mission has always been to spread awareness about Africa’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
With Mr Strijdom’s dedicated support, Moholoholo expanded rapidly. As a result, Brian was invited to give talks across South Africa and the USA, educating the public about the threats facing wildlife today.
Wildlife Conservation and Education at Moholoholo
At Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, we frequently face difficult decisions regarding injured or poisoned animals that cannot be released back into the wild. These animals become ‘permanent residents’ and serve as ambassadors for their species, helping us educate visitors about wildlife challenges. Members of the public get to see the animals closer than in the wild whilst learning facts and threats about the individual species and getting to know the individual story of each animal, including how it came to the centre and why it cannot be released back into the wild.
In addition to local and international guests, we annually host over 14,000 local schoolchildren at the centre. During their guided tours, they learn about conservation, habitat protection, and the human impact on wildlife.
Moholoholo is also actively involved in rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife. Calls for assistance often lead the team to rescue orphaned babies abandoned by their mothers or predators stuck in snares or in need of relocation, as well as poisoned vultures that are critically endangered.
Conservation Research and Problem Animal Relocation
Moholoholo is crucial in relocating problem animals from farms and tribal areas to safer environments. This initiative prevents unnecessary killings and protects South Africa’s biodiversity. Additionally:
- Moholoholo is engaged in leopard movement research, using GPS collars to track and understand their behaviour. Several leopards have been captured, collared, and successfully reintroduced into the wild, providing valuable insight into their conservation needs.
- The Rehabilitation Centre conducts extensive research on vultures, tracking their movements and treating many that arrive due to poisoning incidents. Tagging and tracking harnesses have provided astonishing data on their migratory patterns.
Raising Global Awareness for Conservation
The primary goal of Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre NPC is to raise awareness not only about conservation in South Africa but also about environmental degradation worldwide. By showcasing our work through TV programmes, wildlife tours, and educational initiatives, we hope to inspire action in other countries facing similar conservation challenges. Every visit supports our mission to care for injured, poisoned and orphaned wildlife.
Plan your visit, school trip or conservation experience with Moholoholo today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre NPC?
Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre NPC is a wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Established in 1991 by Brian Jones, the centre rescues, rehabilitates, and, where possible, releases injured, orphaned, and poisoned wild animals. It also runs daily public tours, educational programmes, and a student volunteer programme.
Can I visit Moholoholo Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre NPC?
Yes. Tours run Monday to Saturday at 09:30 and 15:00, with Sunday afternoon tours available during school holidays and long weekends. Tours last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Prices vary by age group. Booking is recommended.
What animals does Moholoholo rehabilitate?
The centre has rehabilitated over 200 species, including leopards, lions, rhinos, vultures, pangolins, and various birds of prey. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild become permanent residents and serve an important educational role during guided tours.
Does Moholoholo offer student volunteer programmes?
Yes. Since 1998, Moholoholo has accepted student volunteers from around the world. Volunteers assist with daily animal care, feeding, research, and any call-outs or rescues. It is a hands-on programme suited to students pursuing a career in wildlife rehabilitation or conservation.
How does Moholoholo contribute to wildlife conservation in South Africa?
Moholoholo conducts active research into leopard movement and vulture behaviour, relocates problem animals from farms and tribal areas, and runs educational programmes for over 14,000 school children each year. The centre has also been featured in National Geographic and other international wildlife documentaries.