About Us

The Irwin Animal Rescue centre actually started in 1984 because of one amazing mongrel we called moses, one cat called Tiggy Two, a Donkey we called Jack and a horse, we refrained from calling Bones but could not help calling him Tumbleweed. They had been rescued from long term abuse and were being auctioned off at an animal welfare society. My dear daughter Jeanette bid her pocket money and savings of R25 to prevent them from being sent to the abattoirs after the auction. We registered a Section 21 Company not for gain in 1987 when there were a 104 domestic animals residing at our home and it had become apparent that there were major problems in the field of animal welfare. 140 abused, neglected and abandoned animals, where the only other alternative for them would have been death. It was obvious at the time that there would be many more to come who would also just need to time to heal in a safe home with good food, relevant medication and treatment. who would all need vaccinations, sterilisation, kennels, blankets, fencing etc, It was obvious we could not do all this on love alone, so the Irwin Animal Rescue Center was born and pioneered the first "Saved to Live" and "Saved for Life' Sanctuary in South Africa.