Behind Helping Hands for Wildlife is a team of people who, every day, put in a great deal of dedication, experience and passion to ensure that the animals and our guests are well looked after. Much of the work takes place behind the scenes, often unseen, and yet it is they who keep this place running.
This place only functions thanks to the people who are here every day, taking responsibility and looking after everything that needs doing. Animals need to be cared for, enclosures cleaned, food prepared, repairs carried out and routines organised – seven days a week.
Work begins early in the morning, and every day brings new challenges and situations that require flexibility, experience and a calm demeanour. The result is a place that thrives on cooperation, trust and mutual support.
Helping Hands is therefore not just a workplace, but a mission that is very close to all our hearts.
Together, we ensure that Helping Hands is a safe place for animals and, at the same time, a special place for the people who come to us.
Elli is the heart and soul of Helping Hands – always on the go, always brimming with a thousand ideas and full of love for every single creature on the farm. As the driving force behind everything, she seems to coordinate ten things at once: rescue operations, organisation, volunteers, social media and, of course, the animals’ welfare. Even in the midst of the greatest hustle and bustle, she manages to keep on top of things and never loses sight of what really matters.
After work: rarely truly off duty, but when she is, it’s with sunsets, animals and wonderful people.
Favourite animal: impossible to choose just one… but Coco, the female capuchin monkey, definitely has a special place in her heart.
Sizwe is our Rehab and Education Manager and the person who keeps everything running smoothly ‘on the ground’ at the farm. With his open-minded nature, clear-sightedness and wealth of experience, he ensures that everything runs smoothly – from building enclosures and organising the farm to making important decisions regarding the integration of our monkeys into existing troops. He takes part in rescue missions, lends a hand wherever needed and always has an eye on what’s needed next. Even if he doesn’t always say it out loud, his love for the monkeys is hard to miss. And when Elli is juggling ten things at once, Sizwe is the reliable support in the background, helping to keep everything running smoothly.
After work: a relaxed game of pool
Favourite animal: Stevie the vervet monkey
Duduzi is Sizwe’s right-hand man and one of the most reliable people on the farm. A real workhorse who’s always there when help is needed. Whether it’s feeding the animals, cleaning the enclosures or carrying out repairs – he works calmly, with focus and with a matter-of-factness that often only becomes apparent when he’s not there. His favourite spot is the Veggie Garden, where he tends to all the greenery with great dedication – he’s our very own green-fingered expert on the farm.Anfangs eher schüchtern, zeigt er mit der Zeit seinen trockenen Humor und ein warmes, ehrliches Lächeln. Ein stiller Held, der im Hintergrund alles mitträgt.
After work: Pool
Favourite animal: Simba the vervet monkey
If something’s leaking, jammed or simply not working anywhere – Smiley’s usually already on his way. As Ground Manager, he makes sure the lodge and chalets are always in tip-top condition. Whether it’s water pressure, repairs or sudden emergencies – he finds a solution. And if things get a bit of a mess in the tool room, he’s the one who patiently restores order (even if it never lasts long). Out on the farm, he’s just as much in his element: feeding the animals, cleaning the enclosures and cutting the firebreaks with his beloved tractor. And yes… his tractor is definitely more than just a vehicle.
After work: a relaxed game of pool
Favourite animals: Vervet monkey Hlope & pot-bellied pig Peppa
Lucia brings warmth and sunshine to the kitchen – and, to be honest, everywhere else too. As our kitchen fairy and a helping hand with housekeeping, she keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Amidst the pots and pans, the laundry and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, she manages to turn even stressful moments into little dance breaks. She loves trying out new recipes (especially when bananas are involved), laughing with people and sharing her zest for life. And as soon as her tasks are done, you’ll find her out on the farm too, where she lends a hand wherever she can. With Lucia around, it’s never quiet, but always warm, lively and full of energy.
Favourite animal: Capuchin Zack
Thuli is one of those quiet forces you might not notice straight away, but whose presence you feel every day. As our cleaning fairy, she works with great dedication to ensure that the chalets, the lodge and the laundry are always in perfect condition. She works calmly, meticulously and with an eye for detail that makes everything just that little bit nicer. In the kitchen, she helps Lucia and, whilst doing so, conjures up what is probably the best broccoli soup on the farm. Although she’s rather reserved, once she warms to you, she’ll give you one of those genuine, warm smiles that stay with you. And whenever help is needed, she’s always there without a second thought. A quiet enchantress who makes everyday life here just that little bit easier.
Favourite animal: Rosey the pot-bellied pig
Helping Hands for Wildlife thrives on the support of people who share our vision. #teamvervet brings together people from all over the world who want to take responsibility and make a real difference.
Join us on our journey – together, we’ll give orphaned and injured animals a second chance.