Hoedspruit – Daktari Wildlife Orphanage is a new conservation initiative that has been started by Ian and Michele Merrifield. Their passion towards wildlife and nature conservation led to the establishment of Daktari which is a non-profit organisation.

As the name suggests, Daktari is a wildlife orphanage that takes in injured, orphaned, or animals in general that for some reason can not be rehabilitated into the wild. People are educated in animal welfare, the environment and nature conservation by being part of teams which provide the nursing for the animals.

Daktari particularly targets underprivileged children from the surrounding rural areas. They are educated in the environment, life skills, and the care of the animals. Sadly, people from the local community suffer from the lack of access to their rich South African natural heritage even though they live right next to private game reserves. This has contributed to the high degree of poaching and environmental abuse in the area. We feel that by generating compassion and understanding, people will care for the environment.

Daktari aims at inviting groups of underprivileged children to stay at the reserve, where they can learn about wildlife, teamwork, responsibility, have a hands-on experience, life skills, and by doing so, develop compassion towards animals. Unfortunately, many children end up unemployed after finishing high School. We expect that the education the children receive here will help them develop their skills and thus provide them with more work opportunities later in life, such as in the eco-tourism industry.

To raise funds, Daktari also invites overnight visitors to come and stay at the centre. The prices range from R150.00 p.p. per night (self-catering) and R400.00 p.p. per night (fully catered). If interested, visitors to the centre will also have a chance to experience the animals up close and learn about wildlife and nature conservation. The centre is placed on a 700ha game reserve so it is possible to go on walks, do game and bird watching, etc. (Daktari no longer rent out accommodation.)

Further information on Daktari can be found on the web page: www.africanorphange.com, by e-mail at: daktari.sa@mweb.co.za or by telephone at 082 656 2969.