Dozens of people converge at Zulu Nyala to celebrate the life of Irene McKenzie
Dozens of people from different parts of South Africa converged at Zulu Nyala Country Manor in Chartwell on 29 May to celebrate the life of beloved animal lover Irene McKenzie. McKenzie, who was a founder of the Centre for Rehabilitation and Education (Care), died after a short illness at Helen Joseph Hospital
Dozens of people from different parts of South Africa converged at Zulu Nyala Country Manor in Chartwell on 29 May to celebrate the life of beloved animal lover Irene McKenzie.
McKenzie, who was a founder of the Centre for Rehabilitation and Education (Care), died after a short illness at Helen Joseph Hospital on 17 May this year. The Fourways Review has reported extensively on McKenzie’s efforts over the years to care for animals in need.
Speaking during an emotional memorial service, long-time close friend, Margi Brocklehurst described McKenzie as a loving and brave woman who triumphed over many battles in her life and recalled happy days of their friendship. “Despite her painful history of growing up without her biological parents in an orphanage home, Irene had a golden heart,” Brocklehurst said.
“She did not allow her past to define her life and her future. She left England, her country of birth, and sailed to South Africa to save thousands of animals after she saw their plights on a TV documentary. I first met her in 1979 and our friendship that was characterised by love and loyalty never ceased. She lived her life to put a smile to needy children and neglected animals.”
Captain Tyrone Tucher from Douglasdale Police Station, who worked with McKenzie when she was a police reservist at the station, recalled his first days in the South African Police Service when he first met McKenzie.
“Contrary to her vigorous and intimidating personality, Irene was a loving, caring and brave woman. She always ensured that what needs to be done was done. Animals and children were very close to her heart and she would make sure that they were taken care of, no matter what the conditions were. She gave her life to serve the people and the accolades she received during the 24 years of service in the SAPS are the testimony of her commitment.”
The director at Care Fourways, Karen Pilling said animal patients have been taken into other rehabilitation centres.
“Thanks to the assistance of Irene’s network of colleagues and friends, Friends of Free Wildlife in Kyalami, and Bryanston Avian and Exotic Small Animal Clinic, all her indigenous animal patients have been taken into rehabilitation. Her personal collection of tarantulas, exotic snakes and reptiles has been re-homed, and her small birds placed with friends of Irene.”
