Pumbaa Wildlife Park and Accommodation, one of Mpumalanga’s most distinctive conservation landmarks, is entering a new era following the resignation of co-founder Hennie Maritz.

After seven years of leadership, Maritz announced he was stepping away, closing a chapter that began with the rescue of an abandoned warthog and grew into a sanctuary for predators and wildlife on Barberton Road outside Mbombela.

Maritz confirmed his departure in a recent statement. “One personal mistake does not erase seven years of hard work, sacrifice and contribution,” he said, but did not disclose what the mistake was. “I walk away with my head held high and with gratitude for the seven years that were a part of my life.”

Park grows from warthog rescue

Founded in 2017 by Hennie and Melanie Maritz, who are currently parting ways, Pumbaa Wildlife Park was inspired by the rescue of a warthog named Pumbaa.

From there, the park grew into a sanctuary for hundreds of animals, including lions, hyenas, cheetahs, tigers and wild dogs.

The park’s mission has been to provide a safe haven for animals, discourage keeping wild creatures as pets and raise awareness about responsible conservation.

NSPCA criticises captive facility

Initially, when it opened in 2020, the NSPCA condemned the launch of Mpumalanga’s first “zoo”, calling it “a tragedy for wild animals” and questioning the need for a captive facility so close to the Kruger National Park. “Its existence is illogical,” the organisation said, arguing that true education comes from observing animals in their natural habitat.

An attorney representing the park at the time, Mandla Macbeth Ncongwane, rejected the criticism, comparing it to uShaka Marine World’s proximity to the ocean. He insisted that Pumbaa offered species not found in Kruger and provided access for underprivileged communities who could not easily reach the national park.

Animal rights group Ban Animal Trading (BAT) also opposed the facility, vowing to fight “until all cages are empty”. BAT’s Dr Smaragda Louw argued that the park perpetuated the cycle of captivity by sourcing animals from breeding institutions.

Despite the criticism, inspections by the Nelspruit SPCA consistently found the animals in good condition, though the organisation maintained its broader opposition to captivity.

Sanctuary maintains ethical stance

Pumbaa’s owners defended their approach as research-based and dedicated to education, rehabilitation and conservation awareness. Unlike commercial facilities, Pumbaa adopted an ethical stance – no trading of animals and no direct visitor interaction with predators.

Over the years, Pumbaa became a fixture in Mbombela’s tourism and conservation landscape. Maritz’s resignation leaves the park to continue under its existing management and staff.