Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation through a renewed partnership with Owl Rescue Centre. The Centre focuses its efforts to rescuing, rehabilitating and conserving South Africa’s wildlife.
For almost a decade, TSAM and Owl Rescue Centre have worked side-by-side toward a shared vision: a South Africa where wildlife thrives alongside human development. From powering rescues in remote terrain to supporting educational initiatives that inspire future conservation leaders, Toyota continues to play a critical role in advancing the Centre’s mission.
“Our partnership with the Owl Rescue Centre goes far beyond sponsorship, it is a shared commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage. Additionally, our partnership aligns with Toyota’s global vision of creating mobility that moves the world forward. We are honoured to support an organisation whose commitment, expertise and passion directly contribute to the protection of South Africa’s wildlife. Their work resonates deeply with our belief that sustainable progress requires responsible action,” said Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager PR and Corporate Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors.
Reflecting on recent milestones, TSAM’s 2025 sponsorship of 1,000 copies of Wild Adventures with Lazzy the Otter has transformed how environmental awareness reaches young readers across the country. The books were delivered directly to schools, informal settlements and even during active rescues, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for environmental learning. Additional copies were donated to the KuCoNa Community Centre in Plettenberg Bay – an empowerment pillar to support conservation education in an area where Cape Clawless Otters are prominent and could face human-wildlife conflict threats.
The book supports Owl Rescue Centre’s national otter research initiative by raising vital awareness about water quality and ecosystem health thus teaching the public why protecting these habitats are critical for wildlife.
Beyond education, Owl Rescue Centre’s daily operations form the frontline of wildlife conservation. Each year, the Centre conducts approximately 3,000 rescues – from urban raptors to elusive apex predators like leopards. These rescues require specialised veterinary care, long-distance travel, expert equipment and often complex field logistics.
To support these critical operations, TSAM has once-again sponsored a Toyota Hilux DC 2.8 4×4 Raider. Known for its durability, dependability and off-road capability, the Hilux will continue to serve as a critical backbone of rescue operations across the country. In addition to the vehicle sponsorship, TSAM has committed a monetary contribution to assist with the high costs associated with life-saving rescue missions.
“The partnership with Toyota South Africa Motors has been a cornerstone of Owl Rescue Centre’s operations for almost a decade. Toyota’s consistent support has turned our vision for wildlife conservation into a daily reality through their unwavering commitment to our mission.
The sponsorship of the Toyota Hilux DC 2.8 4 x 4 Raider continues to serve as the lifeline for thousands of wildlife rescues each year. Beyond the generous sponsorship of a vehicle, Toyota’s decision to help cover wildlife rescue costs offer great financial relief and takes a huge burden off our shoulders. Wildlife rescue is expensive and unpredictable, but having this kind of financial backing means we don’t have to hesitate when a call comes in. We are incredibly grateful to have a partner that understands the ‘behind-the-scenes’ reality of keeping a conservation effort like ours running,” said Danelle Murray, author and co-Founder of Owl Rescue Centre.
TSAM’s renewed support ensures that the Owl Rescue Centre can continue expanding its rescue operations, enhance its educational outreach and safeguard vulnerable species. By working together, TSAM and the Owl Rescue Centre are contributing to a future where wildlife conservation and human development move forward in harmony.
