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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. 

Humane World for Animals is working hard to help. We advocate 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.

 

Latest News

South Africa lion lying down

HSI

Animal charity Humane Society International Africa to become "Humane World for Animals” to better encompass mission

CAPE TOWN ( 14 Feb. 2025) ―Animal charity Humane Society International Africa today announced its rebrand to Humane World for Animals to establish clarity in its mission to create lasting change for

South Africa
Animal Law Project unveils "a Manifesto for Transforming Animal Protection in South Africa: a Constitutional Imperative"

CAPE TOWN, South Africa—The Animal Law Project (ALP) proudly announces the release of its groundbreaking manifesto, "A Manifesto for Transforming Animal Protection in South Africa: A Constitutional

South Africa
Avian flu crisis is a call to rethink our food system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa—Amidst the headlines detailing the severe outbreak of avian flu in South Africa, the culling of approximately 7.5 million infected chickens this year, and the resulting

South Africa

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