Our story
SWERF began with a single snake-handling course and grew, one call-out at a time, into a full-time commitment to the wildlife of the Sandveld.
Nine years ago our founder, Ettienne Swanepoel, started professionally catching and relocating snakes in Dwarskersbos, on the West Coast about 160 km north of Cape Town. As the only registered handler in the area, the calls soon came in from neighbouring towns too.
It quickly became clear how little most people knew about snakes and their behaviour, so a Facebook group was started to raise awareness. Before long the calls were about far more than snakes, and almost every day brought another animal in trouble.
That work grew into first-response partnerships with CapeNature, SANCCOB, the Two Oceans Aquarium, BirdLife South Africa, local municipalities and others. Eventually it became more than one person could do alongside a regular job, and the Sandveld Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Foundation was born.
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Education & awareness
Helping people understand the wild creatures that live alongside us.
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Rescue & rehabilitation
Responding to wildlife in danger and giving it the best chance of returning to the wild.
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Protecting biodiversity
Looking after the rich and varied natural life of the Sandveld.
Our people
Three directors, one aim: to make a real difference for the Sandveld’s wildlife.
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Ettienne Durado Swanepoel
Director & Founder Member
A registered snake handler who has spent nine years rescuing and relocating snakes and other wildlife along the West Coast.
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Marthinus Jacobs
Director & Treasurer
A local veterinarian with a deep love for wildlife, bringing veterinary expertise to our rescue and rehabilitation work.
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Lauren Matthews
Director & Secretary
Chose conservation as her career straight after school and worked as a Marine Ranger for CapeNature. She continues her studies part-time.
We can’t do this without our community
The projects we have planned will need significant financial sponsorship and donations of building materials. Every bit of help is appreciated.
To get involved, ask a question or follow our work, join us in the SWERF Facebook group.
Visit our Facebook group