Yellowwood trees, proteas, ruins older than great Zimbabwe, baobabs, tree ferns and other plants and animals which occur in no other place in the world, make the Soutpansberg one of the most unique natural areas in the country. Above all, the mountain and its unique natural environment must prevail - with man being merely its caretaker. C.A.R.E. - Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education . CARE was established in 1989 by the director, Rita Miljo, as a rehabilitation centre for all indigenous wildlife. The Centre is situated on the banks of the Olifants River near to Phalaborwa in the Northern Province of South Africa, bordering the greater Kruger Park area.
CARE is the only sanctuary in the country for orphaned baboons.
Many arrive injured or abused and traumatised. The animals are often shot by farmers, injured on roads or abandoned as pets once their entertainment value has worn off. Others are illegally captured for sale to the pharmaceutical industry and confiscated by the authorities. We also provide refuge for animals released from laboratories - subjected to numerous experiments these animals have been contained in lab cages barely large enough to allow the animal to turn around, resulting in poor development or atrophy of the muscles. Click here to read more about C.A.R.E. and their Volunteer Programme .