Lynette Louw

With many farmers switching to game farming in the region, it is with great relief that the Lowveld welcomes the opening of a rehabilitation centre to fill a much-needed gap. With more than ten years of experience in the care and conservation of  wild animals, Petronel Nieuwoudt, has now ventured out on her own to continue her quest to ensure that wild animals will continue to roam proudly and freely in Africa’s landscapes.

Wild Care Africa opened its doors in April and much has already been written in the media with her and her team taking over the care of the giraffe, Duke.

Petronel grew up on a farm at Roedtan as the youngest daughter of Basie and Gwanita van Nieuwenhuizen. “I spent every minute that I could with my dad and I can’t think of a time that I was ever without an animal as a pet or one that I was taking care of,” she said.

She studied Business Psychology at RAU and then joined the police. After her initial training she joined the endangered species protection unit from 1991 to 1999 and worked her way up to captain. The unit was unfortunately closed down and she decided to resign from the force and start her own business.

She started the Game Capture School which was the first comprehensive school in South Africa that offered courses that focused on the theoretical and practical aspects of all forms of wildlife conservation and education.  Up to date over 5 000 people world wide have received training with Petronel.

In 2003 she opened the Sondela Wild Life Centre in Warmbaths that included a hospital and training centre. She took in a partner in 2007 and he took over the centre while she moved back to Naboomspruit to run the Tambotie Rehabilitation Centre.

She married Braam (a civil engineer), whom she knew from her school days and they have two sons, Ruan (13) and Evan (6). While expecting Evan, Petronel studied for a veterinary assistant.

When her husband was transferred to Nelspruit, Petronel decided that it was time to spread her wings and start another rehabilitation centre. She found the ideal place at Jerusalemskop on the R40.

The same courses that was previously offered applies to Wild Care Africa and is ideally suited for those who work with animals including veterinarians, vet nurse’s and wildlife personnel. Her courses have accreditation with the South African Veterinary Council.
”We capture, hand rear and take care of infant and orphaned animals,” said Petronel with passion.
Although she just relocated to the Lowveld students from overseas in animal management, biology, and veterinary disciplines, to mention but a few has already joined her for volunteer work during their summer holidays. They help with the rearing and care of baby wild animals, learn all about applied pharmacology (conservation medicine), safe humane methods of wildlife management, handling, capture and translocation, birding and other subjects.If you want to know more about the courses offered go to www.wildlifeafrica.co.za or contact Petronel on 082-825-8735 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . 

Alex Bastow (volunteer student) plays with the caracal Azeke to give him some exercise

It is hard work to be a volunteer at the centre as Alice Williams found out when she and the rest of the group had to dig holes for a new enclosure

Petronel Nieuwoudt tending to Duke, a young giraffe that is presently at the centre