FreeMe

 

 

I will be visiting a wonderful non-profit in South Africa this summer and hope to help them with connections to possible donors. Check out their website  at www.freemewildlife.org.za   and see their important work. I loved their photos of course, and the individual stories of success......

From their own website ....

What is FreeMe ?

FreeMe is a rehabilitation centre for indigenous wildlife based in the north of Johannesburg. It was founded in 1997 by a group of trained rehabilitators who realised that there was not enough organised care for suburban indigenous wildlife. Click here for company information.

Suburban wildlife is in crisis

Each year thousand of birds, mammals and reptiles living in gardens or suburbs become orphaned, sick or suffer injuries. Most veterinarians do not have facilities to cater for wildlife, leaving would-be rescuers unable to determin e what to do with them. FreeMe has filled this gap. The public can now bring wildlife to us for specialised treatment, care and rehabilitation until they can be released.

We are staffed and operated by a full-time manager, two support staff members and a group of trained volunteers. The centre is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm and we welcome calls from the public asking for advice and support.

FreeMe relies on members of the public to bring compromised animals to the centre, and for notification if there are wild animals in distress. In emergencies such as oil-spills volunteers may travel to a locality to rescue and assist wildlife.

Wildlife is in crisis everywhere and our towns and suburbs are no exception. Every year development consumes thousands of hectares, covering the indigenous bush with roads, houses and factories.

 

FreeMe exists to...

Rescue

Orphaned, abandoned, injured and displaced indigenous birds, mammals and reptiles are brought to the FreeMe centre in northern Johannesburg. We treat approximately 10 000 animals each year.

Rehabilitate

FreeMe is run by a full-time manager and a dedicated group of volunteers and the centre is open from 8am to 5pm, 365 days a year. With the help of local veterinarians we provide specialised treatment, care and rehabilitation. In terms of Nature Conservation rules the animals are not on view to the public.

Release

The ultimate aim is to release wildlife back into its natural habitat. Releases take place in carefully chosen areas including reserves and conservancies.

 

There is no conservation without education

We strive to promote a responsible attitude to wildlife and the environment through education programmes, newsletters, publicity and advice. Volunteers continuously learn new skills and knowledge through contact with similar organisations and experts in the field. Our quarterly FreeMe Magazine, with its 'Kids' Talk' section, is designed to entertain while spreading awareness of wildlife and conservation. We participate in the School Owl Box Project run by Eco-Solutions, which aims to create owl friendly and aware children and communities through education and awareness by setting up hacking boxes for owlets at various schools. This highly successful project (for man and wildlife) is the brainchild of Jonathan Haw, our raptor advisor.