Our Roots
Friends of Free Wildlife is a community-based, public-funded volunteer organisation. It became a registered Non-Profit organization on 31st May 2016. The wildlife centre is run by passionate and qualified wildlife rehabilitators with the best interest of our urban wildlife at heart.
Our Vision
To create a well-respected, ethical wildlife rehabilitation centre that provides for the care of urban wildlife: that is, the rescue, rehabilitation and release of the animals that share our space and the education of the general public.
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 Reg: 171-026NPO.
We are affiliated with the NSPCA and work closely with all SPCAs.
We are an approved Public Benefit Organization and hold a B-BBEE Level 4 EME.
We rely on the generosity of the public through donations, bequests, sponsorship and voluntary assistance in all aspects of running the organisation.
KEY PEOPLE
Our Board
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 of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and a founder member of Friends of Free Wildlife, I have been involved in most aspects of wildlife rehabilitation for the past 23 years.
As fundraising director, my goal is securing the financial resources necessary to effectively support and sustain our mission into the next generation.
I continue volunteering 2 shifts a week at our center and have over the years completed a number of IWRC courses and have certificates in Basic Rehabilitation, Animal First Aid and Stabilization, Pain and Wound Management and Hydration and Parasite Control.
Carole Tatham – Operations
I was fortunate to hear about Friends of Free Wildlife through a friend, and after attending an orientation session in Sept 2017, immediately signed up as a regular volunteer. Subsequently I went on to present the basic kitchen orientation courses and have developed these as an ongoing project to encompass evolving protocols and processes.
I have completed the basic clinic and IWRC courses but with a background in operations management my focus is more on setting up protocols and guidelines, administration and statistics as well as working outdoors. Friends of Free Wildlife has provided me with a more purpose-driven role in wildlife rehabilitation after many years in the corporate world, and I have been able to combine my love for animals with my skills in organising, coaching and mentoring.
Janet van Zyl – Finance / HR
I grew up as the daughter of a vet, and was exposed to all types of animals and birds, throughout the early part my childhood. The enjoyment and appreciation of animals continued to be a big part of my life and after 36 years in the corporate environment with experience in HR, payroll, employee benefits, accounting and being a Trustee on numerous Funds, I was looking for an avenue to reconnect.
I joined Friends of Free Wildlife in 2021 and have been firmly entrenched as a volunteer ever since. In 2022 I took on the HR responsibilities and in 2023 took over the bookkeeping function. I have attended the internal clinic courses held at FFW and have completed the IWRC basic course as well as the advanced course in pain and wound management and Fluid therapy.
Nick Roberts – Centre Management
I moved to South Africa in 2021. I have a keen interest in marketing ideas, advertising and administration and have been actively involved with increasing the brand awareness of Friends of Free Wildlife.
I have also been integral in assisting at the centre by giving time, helping people and offering support for anyone or any animal that requires it. I am also very involved in ensuring the centre runs smoothly and effectively.
TEAM
Get to know us
Claudius Sibanda – Senior Animal Manager
Claudius is our Senior Animal Manager and a Founding Member of Friends of Free Wildlife. He started working as a wildlife rehabilitator in 2002 under the tutelage of Margi, who at that time was CEO of FreeMe Wildlife Centre (now closed and defunct).
He has been an integral part of establishing the Free Wildlife Centre and over the past 20 years, gained vast experience of many species of birds, mammals and reptiles. He is involved in all aspects of our Centre and trains our volunteers through different levels of basic and advanced wildlife courses. Claudius has continued with his education after passing his A Levels in Zimbabwe. He has a Diploma in Veterinary Service and Agriculture and was a veterinary inspector in Zimbabwe; Certificate for Snake Handling and Snake Bite treatment and a Diploma in Veterinary Surgery. Claudius has also has completed the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Basic Course as well as the IWRC advanced courses in Pain & Wound Management, Fluid Therapy, Parasitology.
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.
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. He attends to the day to day care of the animals in a variety of different circumstances at our facility.
VETERINARY SUPPORT
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