HOEDSPRUIT – It takes a special kind of dedication to care for endangered wildlife, and Linri Janse van Rensburg, head curator at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), has proven herself more than up to the task.

Linri began her journey at HESC in 2015, initially working at the front office, handling reservations and welcoming visitors. “I always dreamed of working on a farm or with animals,” she recalls.

“Though I studied veterinary nursing for two years, I didn’t complete the course. Still, I kept looking for opportunities to break into the wildlife industry.”

Her persistence paid off. While working in admin, she continually volunteered to help the then-head curator, taking on even the hardest of tasks, just to be near the animals. That determination led to a meeting with HESC founder Lente Roode, who offered Linri the role of assistant curator. Just two years later, in August 2017, she became head curator.

As head curator, Linri monitors the health and well-being of all animals at the centre, ensures timely veterinary treatment, and works closely with wildlife vet Dr Peter Rogers. Her duties include assisting with medical procedures, administering vaccinations, and conducting daily checks across HESC’s grounds.

Linri has hand-raised numerous animals, with rhinos being her most memorable companions.

“The first two I raised were Stompy and Belu. Stompy arrived with his tail bitten off by a hyena; he was grumpy and difficult,” she says. “I had to gain his trust by staying with him day and night. Once, I even climbed a tree and sang to him to calm him down.”

She also fondly remembers raising Shawu, her first elephant.

“Watching him join the camp herd and seeing how happy he was, that moment filled me with pride. But when Shawu passed away, a piece of my heart went with him.”

Another special animal in her care was Esme, a rhino who had been at HESC the longest.

“Seeing Esme mature and help guide younger rhinos means so much to me,” she says. Esme also had a dog as a companion. Though their interaction lessened as Esme grew, Linri says, “they remain good friends.”

“Working at HESC is an incredible privilege,” Linri concludes. “Although the animals aren’t mine, I love each of them as if they were. This job is tough, but it’s the most rewarding thing I could ever do.”