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.
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
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.

