Lisette and Ian Withers founded Knynsa Elephant Park in 1994. Lisette has an uncontrollable instinct to save and assist any animal in distress; those who know her will attest to the constant presence of some animal, either in an incubator or at her house, being rehabilitated. These range from birds to dogs and cats that have been ill-treated. Ian has a lifelong history and connection with wildlife and the elephants of the Knysna Forest. This connection extends to his grandfather who grew up in the area and was fascinated with the wild elephants. In later years Ian played a role - through WESSA (Wildlife Association of South Africa) - in the attempt to relocate elephants from Kruger Park to the Knysna Forests. It seems fitting then that the foundation of Knysna Elephant Park was built on the struggle of the elephants in the Knysna Forest.
Our Mission:
To provide for the welfare of elephants in need through the application of excellent management and welfare principles, and to educate the public on sound conservation ethics using this keystone species as an ambassador of wildlife. By doing this, Knysna Elephant Park provides jobs to local people as well as a conservation cornerstone to the region.
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