Wildcare

This title tells the stories – some heart-warming and some heartbreaking – of a few of the thousands of animals that have passed through the wild animal rehabilitation centre, Wildcare. Karen Trendler started the centre from her kitchen in 1986, and it has since developed into a South African success story. Karen Trendler has become the International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) world expert on wildlife rehabilitation, in particular of rhinos and sea life affected by oil spills. Wildcare tries to give each patient the chance of release into the wild. Some of the innovative and imaginative treatments related in the title include: smearing human hand-moisturising cream on baby rhinos to prevent their skin cracking, feeding injured tortoises strawberry juice and raising wild dog puppies in the family bedroom. A strong conservation thread runs throughout the title, and it explains how wild animal rehabilitation has moved from a backyard hobby to a highly complex operation that plays an important role in the survival of our wildlife.

Mike Cadman has worked as a journalist in southern Africa since 1980. He has been employed by local and international print media and television companies and has covered a wide range of subjects including hard news, politics and environmental issues. He has worked for, amongst others, CBS News, The Los Angeles Times, and has freelanced for Newsweek magazine, ITN Channel Four News and a wide range of other organisations. He has extensive knowledge of wildlife and environmental issues.