Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife

CROW is one of South Africa’s leading wildlife rehabilitation centres and a proud member of the IWRC (International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council).

We strive to improve the quality of wildlife rehabilitation in South Africa while upholding the code of ethics adopted by professional wildlife rehabilitation practitioners around the world.

A registered non-profit organisation, CROW relies solely on the support and goodwill of the public.

History

Founded in 1977 by local environmentalist and conservationist, Isolde Mellet, CROW was one of South Africa’s first wildlife rehabilitation centres dedicated to assisting orphaned, injured and displaced wildlife. Originally run from Isolde’s garage, the need for a bigger, better equipped facility soon became apparent as news of CROW and its work quickly spread.

Overwhelmed by the growing demand for a dedicated wildlife rescue & rehabilitation centre, CROW was thrown a lifeline in 1980 by the Durban (now eThekwini) Municipality – in the form of the city’s 3.7 ha abandoned waterworks plant situated in Yellowwood Park.

Thanks to the support of the greater Durban community,  an amount
R73 000 was raised to convert the plant’s sterile pans into aviaries and enclosures.

A few years later in 1988, additional funding was raised and numerous corporate sponsors pledged their support in order to build the main clinic and administrative offices.

Since its humble beginnings over 30 years ago, CROW has inevitably undergone many changes and benefited from the passion and commitment of numerous staff and volunteers who have selflessly served the thousands of animals that have come through its doors.

Despite these changes, the organisation’s current vision and mission still remains true to its founder’s philosophy of care, compassion and conservation not only for our wildlife, but for our natural environment too.

Open Days

CROW is committed to raising awareness and educating the general public about wildlife rehabilitation and the importance of conserving and protecting our natural environment.

CROW’s Open Days take place on the last Sunday of every month from 11am to 1pm. Gates open at 10:45am.

Entrance fee is R25 per adult and R10 per child (under 12 years).

All proceeds raised from the Open Days go towards CROW’s work in local wildlife rehabilitation.

Volunteer at CROW

Since its inception, volunteers have been an integral part of our organisation. Feeding and caring for 300-400 animals on a daily basis is no easy task, which is why CROW welcomes the skills, experience and enthusiasm of both local and international volunteers at its centre.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, meet new friends and learn new skills! All volunteers are always very welcome here at CROW, regardless of if you’re looking to volunteer with us regularly or as part of a once-off work experience placement or event.

To find out more about CROW’s local volunteer programme and request an application form, please contact us.

Internships

As a reputable wildlife rehabilitation centre, CROW is committed to offering opportunities for young people to gain skills and experience that will encourage and assist them in pursuing a career in the field of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

CROW’s internship programme is primarily open to graduates and post-graduates, however all applications for internships are welcome and will be considered at the discretion of the organisation’s Director and Senior Management team.

Internships are typically unpaid positions lasting from 3-6 months depending on the specific assignment and availability of resources.

Corporate Team Days & Events

As the concept of corporate social responsibility steadily grows in South Africa, more and more companies are realising the benefits of getting involved and supporting local non-profit organisations as part of their staff team building / corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Volunteering is after all a fantastic way for employees to give something back to their community while learning new skills and gaining all the benefits of a traditional team building event.

Depending on your company’s specific requirements, CROW has several projects and activities that you can assist us with as part of your next corporate team building / volunteering day, from painting, gardening and general repairs and maintenance to bigger projects such as helping us to design and build new enclosures and bomas for our patients.

CROW’s Wildlife Warriors Programme

Aims to educate children and young people about key environmental issues while inspiring them to take positive action in their everyday lives.

The programme is based in CROW’s Environmental Edu-Centre that is specially designed to engage and educate children and young people about issues relating to wildlife conservation and protection in a fun and informative manner.

Through our programme, CROW strives to equip children and young people with the knowledge, passion and skills they need to become pro-active ambassadors for our wildlife.

Talks & Presentations

If you would like to learn more about our work please feel free to contact us about arranging a talk / presentation in our Environmental Educentre.

Alternatively, if you represent a school, club or special interest group, CROW can, where possible, arrange to visit you for a private talk or presentation.

To book a talk or for more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 031 462 1127 or at education@crowkzn.co.za

Are you looking to make a real difference and help save the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife?

Launched in 2012 with the aim of signing up 1000 individuals, families, companies and groups who can commit to donating R100 a month, CROW’s 1000 100 Club gives people like you the chance to play a direct role in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of each and every sick, orphaned and injured animal that comes through our centre’s doors.

The funds generated by the 1000 100 Club will help ensure CROW can cover the monthly costs of providing life-saving care and treatment to injured and orphaned wildlife. This includes our monthly operating costs such as expert veterinary care and medical supplies; as well as food, bedding & stimulation for our patients.

What’s in it for you?

In addition to the comfort of knowing you are helping us save the lives of injured and orphaned wildlife, as a 1000 100 Club member, you can look forward to:

• A personalised 1000 100 Club certificate.
• A personal introductory tour of our centre with CROW’s Director.
• Free entry (for named members only) to CROW’s monthly Open Days.
• Free newsletters and updates from CROW.
• Your name / company name listed on CROW’s website.
• An invitation to CROW’s AGM and the right to nominate and vote for Executive Committee members at CROW AGMs.

To see who has already pledged their support and commitment, please click here to view CROW’s current 1000 100 Club Membership List.

To find out more and sign-up to CROW’s 1000 100 Club please click here to download a copy of our 1000 100 Club Brochure & Application Form.