About Us

Safari4u began in 2013 through a discussion about the limited options for pre-vet students to get experience in the field. At the time programmes only included selected groups of animals, usually small animal, large animal or wildlife but there were no programmes offering all three animal groups. This is how Safari4u came to be.

Based in Chintsa, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Safari4’s aim is to give pre-vet students, or anyone interested in animals, conservation or the veterinary field, the opportunity to work with a variety of animals in an African veterinary setting.

Safari4u has the following priorities which are, but not excluded to:

  • Welfare of the animal,
  • Safety of students and staff,
  • Education of students,
  • Needs of the community, and
  • Memorable experience for students

Safari4u will not consciously participate in any activity that involves the mistreatment of animals, or future mistreatment of animals. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as lion cub petting, unauthorised hunting and/ or poaching activities, any activity in which the animal is utilised purely for the entertainment of people.

Meet The Team

Admin Staff

Dennis Taylor – Founder and CEO

Safari4u began as a conservation project in 2005. In 2013, Dennis worked with Ashely Kellar, to transform that project into the veterinary-orientated program that it is today. Dennis has 20 years of experience in conservation management and is an accredited trainer for the Field Guide Association South Africa (FGASA). He has a Bachelor of Science in Botany and in Zoology, as well as a FGASA Level 3 certification with Special Knowledge and Skills in Dangerous Animals.

On the weekends, Dennis spends time with his family and friends. Students are always welcome to join him at the local café for a drink and an interesting conversation. Dennis enjoys getting to know the students and likes to take a hands-on approach, often giving lectures and participating in activities.

Janet Taylor – Administration and Financial Manager

Janet is a qualified teacher who for the last 3 years taught in the United Arab Emirates but prior to that was in the South African school system. In 2010-2013 she ran her own outdoor adventure centre concentrating on outdoor education and team building.

Her move to Safari4u was predominantly through marriage but she enjoys “long easy runs along the beach” and being outdoors in general.

Veterinary Staff

Paz Perez – Head Vet

Dr. Paz Perez Ibacache qualified as a vet specialising in wildlife conservation and management at the University of Chile. She has 13 years of experience working with different animal species. She also spent 5 years teaching tourism, forest ranger and agriculture technician students.

She has worked in large operations to control the canine and feline population at the communal level and was also involved in census and deparasitation in Tierra Del Fuego, Chile.

Paz is passionate about animals and enjoys educating animal owners, and has experience in rescue and relocation of wildlife, remote first aid, as well as being a birdwatching guide.

“I love learning every day, and being humble is my slogan.”

Support Staff

Halifax

Halifax was raised from a kitten with his brother Snowflake, and his favourite things in the world are food and hugs (food is just a bit higher ranked though). In the past year, he had a run in with a dog so since then he will always stay away from them but he will otherwise be around the student house asking for attention.

Button

Button invited himself into the house after Snowflake, another of our cats, went on an adventure with the local feral cats for a few weeks and made new friends. He is a bit scared of people but slowly easing into house life by having daily socialisation sessions with Alex, who he loves chatting with. His favourite toys are dry leaves and moths.

Zeus

Zeus might look scary but he really loves getting pats and going for walks and meeting new people who will give him pats. His favourite toy is whatever the other dogs are currently playing with.

Athena

Athena loves you and would like you to stay and give her hugs or play with her because play is fun and hugs are nice. Food is also nice, she likes food and likes to lick you to remind you of it too. Her favourite thing in the world is you.

Scud

Rescued by past students from a township, he was malnourished and covered in mange. Initially named “Muffin,” he has found a home as “Scud” with Mark. Scud loves bringing sticks to you to throw for him and chasing sand blowing around on the beach.