Our impact
South Africa is an incredibly biodiverse country, with long, lush coastlines and an expansive, dry interior. Around 7% of the world’s total birds, mammals and reptiles live here, including iconic species such as giraffes, African elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and zebras.
Unfortunately, many of these animals face threats from human conflict, climate change, trophy hunting and habitat loss. And South African law does little to protect animals. The country’s Animals Protection Act has remained largely unchanged since 1962. Today, millions of animals in South Africa are held captive for tourism, raised in cruel conditions for food, left to survive on the streets and subjected to testing in labs.
What we are working on
Humane World for Animals South Africa advocates for better standards for farmed animal welfare while also encouraging people to eat more plant-based foods. We find creative, humane and non-lethal solutions to human-wildlife conflicts and promote ethical tourism. We’re increasing access to care for street dogs, working to end cosmetics animal testing and helping other animals in crisis.
JohnCarnemolla/Getty Images
Mneno Malizole/Mdzananda animal clinic
Saving the last gentle giants
Super tusker elephants are iconic, majestic animals that have at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds. They serve an immeasurable role in their ecosystem, as well as the herd’s genetic, social, behavioral and hierarchical composition and longevity. As of 2024, it is estimated that fewer than 10 super tusker elephants remain in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, and less than 50 across the African continent. Since November 2023, five super tusker elephants have been shot by trophy hunters in Tanzania, after they crossed the safety of the Kenyan border. Leading Kenyan and Tanzanian stakeholders, pastoralists, scientists, conservationists and other global conservation authorities share their perspectives on East Africa’s Greater Amboseli’s super tuskers and the trophy hunting that is decimating them.
Latest news
CAPE TOWN, South Africa—Over half (60%) of international tourists would consider visiting a different country instead if elephant culling (mass or selective killing) of elephants) is reinstated in
CAPE TOWN, South Africa—A herd of giant, life-size elephant puppets lumber through Cape Point’s shrubland. Above two adult elephant puppets and their young calf. The scene is part of a moving new
CAPE TOWN – In advance of “Ban Live Exports: International Awareness Day” on 14 June, Humane World for Animals is calling on the South African government to prohibit the export of live animals by sea
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Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS/