adoption & rescue
From broken to beloved
As one of the oldest independent pro-life rescue centres in South Africa, Woodrock Animal Rescue, located in Gauteng, is not just a shelter; it is a place of rehabilitation, structure, education, and hope.
Founded in 1992 by Nicholas and Estelle( Stella) Meldau, Woodrock Animal Rescue today cares for over 500 animals, including lovable donkeys, playful pigs, friendly chickens, cuddly rabbits, gentle geese, affectionate goats, loyal dogs, and sweet and soulful cats.
Some are rehabilitated and rehomed, while others remain permanent residents due to trauma, age, behavioural challenges, or medical issues.
“ We started Woodrock Animal Rescue rooted in a simple belief: animals deserve dignity, compassion, and the chance to live safely,” says Nicholas.
What began as helping individual animals gradually evolved into a full-scale rescue organisation. Over time, the work expanded beyond rescue and rehoming to include education, sterilisation, outreach, rehabilitation, and shifting perceptions around animal welfare.
“ As a qualified teacher, I always believed education had to form an integral part of rescue,”
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