SBC Wildlife Rescue Fund

SBC Wildlife Rescue Fund

The Swellendam Bewarea Conservancy (SBC) Wildlife Rescue Fund exists to support the emergency care and short-term welfare of indigenous wildlife within the SBC boundary, through financial assistance provided strictly within available means to veterinarians and rehabilitation centres who are members of the SBC.

The Fund may assist with veterinary or emergency treatment costs, essential medication and short-term food costs for rehabilitation cases, subject to available funding and SBC discretion.

The SBC manages the Wildlife Rescue Fund but is not a wildlife rescue organisation. The SBC does not employ, appoint, subcontract, or direct wildlife rescuers, responders, or veterinarians and does not assume responsibility for operational decisions, treatment protocols, or outcomes.

All wildlife rescue, transport, treatment and rehabilitation activities remain the responsibility of independent, qualified, and permitted wildlife rescuers or veterinary practices, acting in compliance with applicable legislation.

All support from the Wildlife Rescue Fund is provided on a reimbursement basis only, is not guaranteed and remains subject to the availability of funds and alignment with the Fund’s policy. To ensure transparency and accountability to donors, basic case information and supporting documentation are required.

Support is limited to indigenous wildlife within the SBC boundary and to current SBC members whose requests comply with legal, ethical and policy requirements.

The SBC reserves the right to decline any request that falls outside the scope of the Fund or exceeds available resources.

Despite these limitations, the Wildlife Rescue Fund continues to make a meaningful contribution towards supporting wildlife care within the greater Swellendam area. This is only possible through the generosity and continued support of donors who choose to contribute towards the Fund.

Through your regular and compassionate contributions, the SBC is able to assist local veterinarians and rescue organisations such as the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue Centre, helping to provide much-needed care, treatment, and support to injured and vulnerable wildlife within our broader community.

Your kindness is truly making a meaningful difference.

This tortoise was rescued and received treatment, including surgery to repair its damaged shell, at the Hermitage Veterinary Clinic. After the operation and an extensive recovery period, it was transferred to the Kogelberg Biosphere Wildlife Rescue & Training Centre, a CapeNature-permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility in Betty’s Bay, where it continues to receive specialised rehabilitation and care.

A sincere thank you to the kind SBC member who stopped to help this injured tortoise and ensured it received the urgent care it needed.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lize Venter for taking such exceptional care of “Jerry” and for always being willing to assist during wildlife emergencies with compassion, dedication, and professionalism.

Stories like Jerry’s are a reminder of how important community support, responsible wildlife rescue, and collaboration between caring individuals, veterinarians, and rehabilitation centres are in giving injured wildlife a second chance.