Nine months ago, Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital was battling through one of its busiest seasons, treating thousands of injured or orphaned wild animals with limited hands and even fewer resources. As a single vet holding the fort, Dr. Karin couldn’t split herself in two—but Hot Cares and our generous HOT 102.7FM listeners made something incredible happen.

You may remember that Hot Cares stepped in over Christmas to help this dedicated hospital through its peak crisis period—a story we first shared here. At the time, they desperately needed an extra vet, and your donations helped bring Dr. Jess on board.

What started as temporary support has turned into a life-changing, long-term contribution—because she stayed.

“I think we cried,” Dr. Karin admitted when recalling the moment they learned help was on the way. “It’s made a massive difference—not just to the level of care—but to the amount of animals we can now help.”

That added pair of skilled hands meant more animals treated, fewer delays, and safer procedures. “Now when I do anaesthetics, I don’t need to call someone in—I have another vet monitoring. It’s changed everything.”

Hot Cares helped bridge a gap—but it turns out, this was more than just a temporary fix. “I needed the help, and Jess needed the opportunity. It’s been a perfect fit,” said Dr. Karin.

In 2024 alone, the hospital cared for nearly 3,000 wild animals—everything from owls and otters to tortoises and tiny bush babies. And behind each of those rescues was a support network that includes you—our listeners, our donors, our heroes.

🐾 Mannie the Lion: From trauma to tranquility

Mannie, a lion rescued from a theme park in the Netherlands, arrived in South Africa deeply traumatised and mentally shut down. He was terrified of people and completely disconnected from the world around him. But thanks to your support—including donations of enrichment toys, food, and funding for his care—Mannie is slowly reclaiming a sense of peace.

He now eats six kilograms of meat a day and spends his time roaming a large, natural enclosure where he chooses solitude over fear. “This is exactly what we aim for,” his carers say. “He finally feels safe enough to be left alone.”

🦏 Rhino Connect: Transporting hope

At Rhino Connect, a donation of a wildlife trailer has already become a critical piece of equipment. It’s been used to transport a two-year-old rhino calf and her mother to safety, and stood by during potential rescues—ready for action alongside vets.

Most recently, it was used to deliver massive milk donations collected over Mandela Day weekend to orphanages in need. “It’s made life so much easier and less stressful,” the team shared. “And the orphans—Jonathan, David, Benjamin, and Joan—are all doing fantastically.”

Listen to the update from veterinary nurse Kirsten Baxter at Rhino Connect:

🐴 Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary: Rescue in numbers

At the Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary, things have been equally transformative. After we first connected with them in December, the team managed to rescue another 36 donkeys from Tabazimbi—eight of whom were pregnant. That brought their total to 236 donkeys, now living safely and peacefully on the property.

The R70,000 donation from Hot Cares went directly toward gelding procedures, salt licks, hay bales, and fly masks—essentials that ensure these gentle animals can thrive. “They’re living their best donkey lives now,” said Lloreen, the sanctuary’s founder. “We couldn’t be more grateful.”

Your generosity doesn’t just change lives. It saves them.

Let’s keep it going. Your donations help Hot Cares extend our love to the ones with no voice—because when it comes to animals, every life matters most.