​Our Mission

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife and to educate the public, build awareness about local wildlife and encourage peaceful co-existence between humans and animals.

​Our Vision

Our vision is to provide a safe, professional, and compassionate facility for wildlife to heal, recover, and return to their natural habitats.  With strong community support and education we encourage people to reconnect with the abundant wildlife which shares our space.  Every animal we’ve helped has shaped our journey and strengthened our vision. We are committed to providing expert care while promoting respect for all living things.

As we grow, so does our impact.  We strive to expand our reach, improve our facilities, and advocate for wildlife within our urban environment.  The roots of our centre are strong—and from them, a more compassionate future for wildlife is growing.

​Our Story

Friends of Free Wildlife was founded in 2016 by a small group of individuals who shared a deep love for wildlife and a concern for the growing number of wild animals in distress.  With little more than determination and compassion, these individuals laid the groundwork for what would become a trusted facility for wildlife recovery and education.

Our Values and Motivators

  • Compassion: Every creature deserves care and dignity.  We put animals first.
  • Conservation: We support a healthy balance between humans and the natural world.
  • Education: Awareness leads to change—we help people understand how to live in harmony with wildlife.
  • Integrity: We operate with transparency, respect, and professionalism in everything we do.

Our credentials

  • We operate under a Rehabilitation Permit granted by GDARD (Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).
  • We are a registered NPO (non-profit organization) – NPO No 171-026.
  • We are an approved PBO (public benefit organization) – PBO No 930055712.
  • We are accredited by the NSPCA and work closely with all SPCA’s.
  • We are a B-BBEE Level 4 EME (exempted micro enterprise).
  • We rely on the generosity of the public through donations, bequests, sponsorships and voluntary assistance in all aspects of running the organisation.

Meet the Team

Our Board 

Guiding Our Vision, Strengthening Our Mission

Jean Kübler (BA, LLB, LLM) – Legal director

Jean Urs Kübler specialises in Commercial Law, Company Law, Contract Law, Property Law and Labour Law. Jean is fully bilingual in both English and German and is admitted as a Conveyancer and a Notary Public.

Prior to founding SLKB Inc. Jean was an Associate at a reputable German law firm in Johannesburg, where he assisted a multitude of mainly German clients. Before entering practice, Jean lectured at the University of the Witwatersrand at the Oliver Schreiner School of Law, where he instructed in the fields of Business Enterprises Law, Mercantile Law, Commercial Law, Law of Lease, Law of Succession, Family Law, and Law of Persons. Jean still lectures at the University on a part time basis. Out of the office, Jean has a keen interest in classic cars.

Wendy Brodie – Funding

As a passionate advocate for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and a founding member of Friends of Free Wildlife, Wendy has been actively involved in nearly every aspect of wildlife rehabilitation for over 23 years. In herrole as Fundraising Director, she is dedicated to securing the financial resources needed to support and sustain the organisation’s mission for generations to come. In addition to her leadership role, Wendy continues to volunteer two shifts a week at the centre. Over the years, she has completed multiple IWRC courses and holds certifications in Basic Rehabilitation, Animal First Aid and Stabilization, Pain and Wound Management, and Hydration and Parasite Control.

Carole Tatham – Operations

Carole joined Friends of Free Wildlife in September 2017 as a regular volunteer and quickly became an integral part of the team. She later took on the role of presenting basic kitchen orientation courses to new volunteers. With a strong background in operations management, Carole has focused on developing protocols and guidelines for the centre, handling administrative duties, and producing essential statistics. Her role also extends to hands-on work outdoors, where she combines her love for animals with her strengths in organisation, coaching, and mentoring.

Janet van Zyl – Finance / HR

Growing up as the daughter of a veterinarian, Janet was exposed to a wide variety of animals and birds from an early age, fostering a lifelong appreciation for wildlife. After a 36-year career in the corporate sector—with extensive experience in HR, payroll, employee benefits, accounting, and serving as a trustee on numerous funds—she sought a way to reconnect with her passion for animals.

She joined Friends of Free Wildlife in 2021 and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since. In 2022, she took on HR responsibilities at the centre, and in 2023, she assumed the role of bookkeeper. She has completed several internal clinic courses at FFW, as well as the IWRC Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course, the Advanced Pain and Wound Management course, and Fluid Therapy.

Nick Roberts – Centre Management

Nick moved to South Africa in 2021 and brought with him a keen interest in marketing, advertising, and administration. Since joining Friends of Free Wildlife, he has played an active role in increasing the organisation’s brand awareness and public engagement.

In addition to marketing efforts, Nick has been a dedicated presence at the centre, offering time, support, and assistance to both people and animals in need. He is also deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, helping to ensure the centre runs smoothly and efficiently.

Our Staff and Management Team

Committed Hearts and Skilled Hands Behind Every Rescue

Claudius Sibanda – Senior Animal Manager

Claudius is the Senior Animal Manager and a Founding Member of Friends of Free Wildlife. His journey in wildlife rehabilitation began in 2002 at the now-defunct FreeMe Wildlife Centre. Since then, he has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Friends of Free Wildlife, contributing his extensive experience and deep knowledge to every aspect of the organisation.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience working with a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles, Claudius plays a critical role in the care and rehabilitation of wildlife at the centre. He is actively involved in training volunteers through both basic and advanced wildlife rehabilitation courses.

Claudius’ educational background includes A Levels completed in Zimbabwe, a Diploma in Veterinary Service and Agriculture, and a Diploma in Veterinary Surgery. He also served as a veterinary inspector in Zimbabwe. In addition, he holds a Certificate in Snake Handling and Snake Bite Treatment, and has completed several International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) courses, including the Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation course, as well as advanced courses in Pain & Wound Management, Fluid Therapy, and Parasitology.

Claudia Hosking – Volunteer Co-ordinator / Educational Outreach

Claudia left Germany in 1991 to pursue a career in hotel management in South Africa. Her passion for animals and the bush led her to complete the FGASA Level 1 course. After time in Zambia, Kenya, and Dubai, she returned to South Africa and joined Friends of Free Wildlife in 2017 as a volunteer.  In 2018, she became Volunteer Co-ordinator, managing shift schedules and orientation.

That same year, Claudia began working with bat rehabilitation under the guidance of FFW’s Animal Manager, Claudius.  Since then, she’s developed a deep passion for bats and in her own words ‘can’t imagine life without them’.  She has completed FFW’s internal clinic courses, the IWRC Basic Course, and Advanced Courses in Pain & Wound Management and Fluid Therapy.

In 2025, she took on FFW’s Educational Outreach program, visiting schools to promote wildlife conservation and rehabilitation among the next generation.

Our Animal Care Assistants

The dedicated hands that keep the wheels turning

Kiaan Mudaly – Animal Care Assistant

Kiaan started off as an intern in Dec 2023, and upon completion was offered the opportunity to stay on as Animal Care Assistant.  

He is an integral part of our team, juggling his time between the clinic, kitchen and outside enclosures as well as part-time studies. He attends to the day to day care of the animals in a variety of different circumstances at our facility.  

Bethwell Ngwenya – Animal Care Assistant

Bethwell Ngwenya has been at Free Wildlife since 2021 and he is an essential part of our team. He looks after the day to day care of wild animals in a variety of different settings, under supervision. He works in kitchen, in the enclosures and also the clinic. He is excellent at setting up our cages for different species, cage enrichment is a large part of his job.

Kyle Stonely – Animal Care Assistant

Kyle Stonley joined the team on 1 March 2025 and while new to rehabilitation, he brings a passion for all animals and the environment having completed a higher certification in conservation ecology.  It also helps that he is a plumber and enjoys building and manual tasks.  

Sikhumbuzo Mdutyulwa – Animal Care Assistant

Sikhumbuzo Mdutyulwa rejoined Friends of Free Wildlife on 25 February 2025 and immediately hit the ground running. His previous experience and in-depth knowledge of the Centre’s operations have made a noticeable impact.  His return has brought valuable support and continuity to our team.

Veterinary Suport

Free Wildlife are fortunate to have the support and partnership of Bryanston Avian, Exotic and Small Animals Clinic who provide excellent, professional and integral veterinary care to our wildlife patients.

We also have a long list of veterinarians who regularly assist with orphaned and injured indigenous wildlife, including :

Radiokop Animal Clinic; Boskruin Veterinary Clinic; Craighall Veterinary Hospital; Randpark Ridge Veterinary Hospital; Waterkloof Animal Hospital

Bakenkop Animal Clinic; Cradle Vet Bird and Animal Hospital; Bryanston Veterinary Hospital; Onderstepoort Wildlife Clinic

Valued Partnerships

SLKB Inc.

Pro Bono Attorneys

FNB Donor Choice Foundation

sponsored the revamp and upgrade for our new mammal enclosures

KIKLO

sponsors of our fibre connection