WITH an inspiring love for wildlife and passion for rehabilitation, Harriot Brill, is a perfect fit at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) family.
Hailing from the United Kingdom (UK), she has worked in the volunteer and animal rehabilitation world for almost four years and is today the centre’s newest member, working as a volunteer coordinator.
Harriot had initially done a medical training course at Crow a few months prior and clicked immediately with staff and volunteers. “This made it a very easy decision to consider the opportunity when the volunteer coordinator position became available. I am fortunate that, with my previous rehabilitation experience, I have been able to help out with all the animals,” she said.
The 26-year-old shared that she has loved wildlife for as long as she can remember. “We have always had a house filled with rescue animals. My parents influenced my love for animals and taught me that no life should be worth less than our own. I don’t think there has been a time in my life that I have not been raising or rescuing animals.
“My main love was reptiles, as they are fascinating and so different to other animals I had encountered. Then the opportunity arose to work with snakes in South Africa and I couldn’t pass up the chance to do so.”
One can only imagine the strenuous task of being a volunteer, considering increased number of admissions at Crow during lockdown, but Harriot, like the rest of the staff, remains committed to serving animals in need.
“Lockdown means all hands on deck. It has been a difficult time without volunteers, but we have experienced hands. I honestly believe we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Before finding her way to Crow, the reptile lover worked at Umkhumbi Lodge in Hluhluwe where she got to work with a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes, run a volunteer programme, manage a small wildlife rehabilitation clinic and welcome international students, showing them the wonders of the conservation world.
While many things have been put on lockdown, the duty for animal welfare remains open.
“I have never felt like I have a purpose more than at the present time. As part of a united team, we are making a real difference and we will not stop. As long as there are animals in need, our doors will be open to them and we will all do whatever it takes to save and stop the suffering of an animal before returning it back to where it belongs,” she said.
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