Our Vision & Story
We envision a future where black and white rhinos roam freely in thriving, protected landscapes, living as part of healthy, vibrant ecosystems. We believe lasting conservation begins with people, which is why we are committed to a sustainable model that empowers rural communities as partners and leaders in protecting our natural world. Together, we can secure a future where endangered species flourish, biodiversity is restored, and future generations inherit a planet rich in wildlife and wild places.
A Legacy of Conservation: The Evolution of Care for Wild
From a young officer protecting South Africa's wildlife to a global rhino conservation programme — follow the journey.
A ranger's beginning
Petronel Nieuwoudt joins the Endangered Species Protection Unit (ESPU) of the South African Police Service, serving as an officer dedicated to protecting South Africa's wildlife.
The Game Capture School
Founds The Game Capture School, providing specialised training in wildlife capture, treatment and management.
Sondela Wildlife Centre
Establishes and develops Sondela Wildlife Centre, gaining extensive experience in wildlife rehabilitation and management.
Tamboti Wildlife Centre
Establishes and develops Tamboti Wildlife Centre, working with a wide range of African wildlife species.
Care for Wild Africa is founded
Relocates to Mpumalanga and founds Care for Wild Africa, originally established as a rehabilitation centre for indigenous African wildlife.
The first orphaned rhino
The sanctuary receives its first orphaned rhino, followed shortly by four more, marking the beginning of Care for Wild's dedicated rhino rehabilitation programme.
Building the first bomas
A small team of staff and volunteers begins building the first rehabilitation bomas, transforming a property with just two buildings and a barn into a dedicated rhino rehabilitation facility.
A partnership with SANParks
As the rhino poaching crisis escalates, SANParks partners with Care for Wild through a Memorandum of Understanding, entrusting the organisation with the rescue, rehabilitation and long-term care of orphaned rhinos from national parks.
Formally registered
Care for Wild is formally registered as a non-profit organisation, supported by a growing network of donors, volunteers and conservation partners.
A leading rehabilitation programme
Care for Wild expands into one of the world's leading rhino rehabilitation programmes, developing specialised veterinary care, rehabilitation, protection and rewilding programmes while continually growing its conservation impact.
Beyond the orphanage
Care for Wild's work extends beyond orphan rehabilitation to include landscape restoration, protected area management, community development and biodiversity conservation — demonstrating that protecting rhinos also protects ecosystems, supports local communities and secures a future for wildlife.
