In the heart of the Overberg, surrounded by rolling farmland and patches of fynbos, something remarkable is happening. While many people walk past an injured bird or feel helpless when they spot a wild animal in distress, a small, dedicated rescue operation is teaching communities to act—with confidence, care, and compassion.

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue, founded by Shireen Freeman, has spent the past five years responding to emergency calls about wildlife in need—everything from grounded owls and stunned garden birds to a grysbok attacked by dogs. But the work they do is about much more than just responding to emergencies. It’s about education, empowerment, and creating a network of wildlife-conscious individuals who know how to help when it matters most.

Why Wildlife Needs First Responders

Every year in South Africa, around 20,000 wild birds and 5,000 small mammals die due to improper rescue attempts and mismanagement in captivity. These wholly preventable deaths are not because people don’t care, but because they don’t know what to do. Well-meaning individuals often intervene in ways that unintentionally cause more harm than good. Baby birds being fed the wrong food, wild animals being kept as pets until it becomes obvious they are not thriving, cat caught and injured wildlife being kept in a cold box for hours because “they look fine”—these are not rare occurrences.

Well-meaning individuals often intervene in ways that unintentionally cause more harm than good.

We are here to contribute to nature conservation by preventing the unnecessary removal of healthy wildlife from nature through proactive education; while mitigating any stress, suffering and mistreatment of any animal. We are also here to make sure that wildlife needing treatment get to a permitted rehabilitation centre, whose goal it is to always return healthy and well adjusted wildlife back to nature where they came from. Grace Valley realized that if more people had access to the right information at the right time, they could prevent suffering and save lives. That’s where their Wildlife First Responder online training workshops come in. 

What the Workshops Offer

These practical, self-paced online workshops are designed for anyone with a passion for animals and a desire to help—from animal lovers, to hikers and farmers to vet nurses, teachers, and ordinary nature lovers.

Participants learn how to:

• Safely assess a wildlife emergency
• Identify when an animal truly needs help
• Stabilize an animal for transport
• Avoid common mistakes that harm wildlife
• Understand zoonotic risks and safe handling
• Connect with local wildlife rehabilitators and vets

The course focuses on local wildlife scenarios, making it especially relevant for South Africans. Printable instruction sheets, a responder checklist, and access to a supportive network of fellow trainees and wildlife professionals make this more than just a course—it’s a community.

Real Impact, Real Results

One recent success story involved a Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue workshop student who found a spotted eagle-owl injured by the roadside. Thanks to the training, she approached the situation calmly, avoided feeding or improper handling, and secured the owl safely for transport to the nearest permitted rehab centre. The bird recovered fully and was released back into the wild—a direct result of informed action at the right time.

These kinds of rescues aren’t rare. With more trained individuals on the ground, the number of animals helped—and lives saved—is growing every month.

With more trained individuals on the ground, the number of animals helped—and lives saved—is growing every month.

A Vision for the Future

Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue isn’t stopping there. The team is currently fundraising to build a permitted rehabilitation centre, where they can care for more animals and host in-person training, school visits, and community workshops. The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that no wild animal suffers simply because no one nearby knew how to help.

Through their workshops and outreach, Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue is showing that wildlife rescue isn't just for professionals—it’s something anyone can be a part of. With the right knowledge, a bit of confidence, and a lot of heart, everyday people can become the lifeline wild animals so desperately need.

Interested in becoming a Wildlife First Responder?  Visit Grace Valley website to learn more or sign up.

Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/audreyjm529/2647546763. Licensed under CC 2.0