Skip to main content

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.

Live transport of sheep

JohnCarnemolla/Getty Images

Changing the narrative for farmed animals

We're bringing animals into conversations about food justice, supporting efforts to help informal pig farmers transition to plant-based food production and campaigning to end the export of live animals for slaughter.

Two dogs after a flood in South Africa

Mneno Malizole/Mdzananda animal clinic

Disaster response

Humane World for Animals South Africa provides emergency rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and reunification for animals affected by disasters. We are also working with the city of Cape Town to raise awareness in local communities.

Latest News

Over half of international tourists would question visiting South Africa if elephant culling is reinstated, new survey finds

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

South Africa |Africa
Life-size elephant puppets recreate the horror of a potential cull in South Africa

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

South Africa |Africa
Humane World for Animals urges South African government to ban live animal exports by sea for slaughter

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

South Africa |Africa

Help us end animal cruelty

Start saving lives today by making a one-time gift—or protect animals worldwide all year long with a monthly contribution.