Brian Jones was my first encounter in October 2006, when I set out to document my first book. With him, I discovered a whole new world and learned some valuable lessons!
A true modern-day Dr. Doolittle, Brian has learned everything from the school of nature and dedicates his life to saving animals, driven by an unconditional love for wildlife. Starting at the age of 4 with a sparrow, his long career includes rescuing hundreds of orphaned, poisoned, or injured animals and birds. This charismatic “whisperer” is known for his successful rescues as well as his outspoken nature and methods, which he himself describes as unique, earning him a few critics.
He masterfully manages Moholoholo, a renowned wildlife rehabilitation and conservation center in Southern Africa that houses various rescued animals that can no longer be released. These animals become ambassadors for their species, educating visitors about the critical environmental situation in Southern Africa. “Animals cannot change their lifestyles and habits like we can, moving from ox carts to space shuttles,” Brian explains. “We need to understand and respect their habits so they don’t disappear one by one.”
Through Moholoholo, Brian develops educational and volunteer programs in the spirit of the Chinese proverb: “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.” Teams of volunteers roam the center at all hours. Young and old, students, professionals, and retirees share a passion for animals and come from all over the world to learn how to raise orphaned young, care for permanent residents, and treat new arrivals. The work is far from glamorous, often being quite tough.
