About Us
Woodrock Animal Rescue
We are a leading non-profit, pro-life, rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing organisation in South Africa.
Woodrock Animal Rescue was founded in 1992 by Nicholas and Stella (Estelle) Meldau, whose focus, passion and drive made their animal rescue vision become a reality. The rescue centre originated in the Johannesburg suburban areas of Woodmead and Khyber Rock, hence the name Woodrock.
Woodrock Animal Rescue is now based on 8.5 hectares in the beautiful Hennops River Valley, South-West of Pretoria.
Our Motto
ACTA NON VERBA
“Action not Words”.
Woodrock Animal Rescue assists homeless, abused, neglected, stray, injured, ill, geriatric and unwanted animals that would otherwise have miserable lives and premature deaths – animals who have no voice of their own!
Woodrock Animal Rescue is one of the oldest, independent, non-profit, pro-life domestic animal rescue centres in South Africa.
Our Ethos is Education and Sterilisation.
Meet Our Staff
Estelle Meldau
Co-founder
Estelle Meldau
Estelle, or Stella as she likes to be known, runs Woodrock Animal Rescue like clockwork. With a sharp eye for detail and the driving force behind operations, Estelle and her team make Woodrock Animal Rescue the premier Shelter it is today.
Nicholas Meldau
Co-founder
Nicholas Meldau
Nicholas takes Rescue to new heights! Time and distance mean nothing to him when an animal is in need. With 35 years of experience, working quietly behind the scenes, his mission knows no bounds.
Fiona
Kennel Manager
Fiona
Fiona has been in Rescue since 1996 when she started rescuing dogs from Zimbabwe. It took her six years to get 6000 dogs to safety in South Africa. Her passion is enormous! "Sadly, animals have no rights and no say in most countries", she says, which is why she will never stop pushing for our furry friends.
Aggie
Hygiene Specialist
Aggie
Aggie loves working with animals and understands the need to keep her areas of responsibility clean to prevent the spread of diseases that can quickly spread at shelters.
Chanti
Manager - African Experience Pet Hotel
Chanti
Chanti has helped her Mom Fiona in rescue since she was a teenager. "I'm an outdoor girl, and I love working with animals. I really enjoy working with the awesome Woodrock team, ensuring our animals are loved, cared for and spoiled."
Cheryl
Adoptions Manager
Cheryl
"Since I was little, I've always had a passion for animals. I've been involved in different animal rescue centres for more than 30 years. I'm extremely blessed to do what I do. Seeing previously abused animals happily homed makes it all worthwhile."
Colette
Clinic and Welfare Co-ordinator
Colette
Colette is responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of all Woodrock's animals, focusing on physical health. "I coordinate all of their medical needs. I have been working in animal welfare and rescue for 10 years, having grown up in a home 8 Rottweilers, a Fox Terrier and four cats. Nothing gives me more pleasure and pride than seeing an animal flourish!"
David
Caregiver
David
David is part of the team that ensures all shelter dogs are given enough exercise, play-time and attention. He feels that he makes a real difference to their lives, and we agree with that!
Ellen
Caregiver
Ellen
Ellen loves helping animals. She is part of the team that makes sure every dog gets enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Frans
Caregiver
Frans
Frans reckons that animals are good for the soul. We definitely agree! Frans is part of the team that makes sure the dogs get enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Grace
Caregiver
Grace
Grace loves working together to help the animals. Grace is part of the team that ensures all the dogs get enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Jayme
Graphic Designer / Photographer
Jayme
"I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and dedication to the mission. My job allows me to positively impact animals' lives and make a difference every day. Whoever said, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine goes down", has never worked with animals!"
Job
Caregiver
Job
Job loves spending his days surrounded by animals and is part of the team that ensures the dogs get enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Juliana
Adoptions
Juliana
Juliana has always been passionate about animals. I absolutely love what I do and find it very rewarding to rehabilitate and re-home a problem fur child successfully. I am currently in the process of studying dog behaviour to assist the animals in our care further. I have been in rescue for two-and-a-half years.
Karin
Cattery Manager / Operations Manager
Karin
"I have been in my dream job working with cats since 2017. I handle all cat-related inquiries and adoptions. I am your go-to gal for events and fundraisers. Always on call, and ready to assist in any way I can!"
Lennox
Caregiver
Lennox
Lennox's mission in life is to help animals. Lennox is part of the team that ensures every dog received enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Lomby
Clinic Assistant
Lomby
Lomby's knowledge about how to spot illnesses in animals and make them well again underpins his calling to help animals because they can't help themselves.
Madala
Caregiver
Madala
"Dogs make me happy!" says Madala, so he's part of the team that makes the dogs happy in return. Madala is part of the team that makes sure the dogs get enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Noel
Caregiver Assistant Manager
Noel
Noel's idea of a dream job is to spend all day with animals. Noel is responsible for ensuring that each dog gets enough exercise, play-time and attention.
Richard
Adoptions Assistant
Richard
Richard helps make sure that the adoptions department runs smoothly. "Working with animals frees you from office life!", is his credo.
Rory
Stationery and Tuckshop Manager
Rory
Talia
Adoptions
Talia
"It is so rewarding to see homeless doggies finally land in homes where they are truly loved. This is the reason I do what I do. I am welcomed every morning by over a hundred happy faces, wagging tails and grateful eyes... it’s impossible not to get lost in it all! I wouldn’t change what I do for the world!"
Tiegan
Manager - Pet Hotel
Tiegan
"I love my job because I get to work with animals and amazing people every day. It’s so fulfilling working for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of countless animals and to be able to play a small part in that organization is awesome!"
Victor
Driver
Victor
Victor is our competent driver. What does he love about his job? "I get to do something different every day", he says enthusiastically.
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