In 2002, Len and Mandy Freeman uprooted their lives in Kwa Zulu Natal to move to the beautiful Garden Route seaside town of Plettenberg Bay. Originally, the move was planned to improve their quality of life, but when Len was diagnosed with cancer in the planning stages of the move, it became a life-changing decision to continue with their dreams.

As their skills in nursing wild animals back to health became known in the community, Len and Mandy realized that there was a great need in the area for a fully functioning Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The ever growing human population descending on the Garden Route, along with high levels of unemployment and poverty in the migrant workers flocking to the area in search of work, are all placing a heavy toll on wildlife populations and our environment. In the early days the Freemans funded all the rehabilitation costs, but it quickly became evident that a sustainable source of income was needed in order to support the on-going costs of the rehabilitation centre. This, together with the deep-seated knowledge that education is the most powerful tool of change, led to the concept of the Awareness Centre being born.

Len and Mandy are a special husband and wife team, demonstrating a passion for what they do and this translates and is embodied in every fibre of Tenikwa. Len has the vision to create and translate their dreams into reality. Mandy’s way with animals can bring a tear to your eye. Their combination of skills is grounded with sound business sense creating a solid base from which to run a growing and ever expanding facility.

Whilst Len’s cancer is in remission, it brought home to this dedicated couple how little time left there is to open the eyes and ears of our communities. For some species we are the last generation who can make a difference.

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