Giving Animals a Second Chance
Bubu's Animal Haven in Otjiwarongo offers a safe refuge for rescued and abandoned animals. Founded by Reni van der Merwe, our sanctuary is dedicated to providing lifelong care, shelter, and love. Join us in making a difference for animals in need.
OUR STORY
How Bubu's Animal Haven Got Its Name
Long before there was a sanctuary, Reni received a call about a tiny bird that had fallen from its nest.
At first, she thought it was a swallow, but it turned out to be another species entirely.
She named the little bird Bubu.
Years later, Bubu is still alive and living at the sanctuary, refusing to leave the place that became home.
When it came time to name the sanctuary, there was only one choice.
And so Bubu's Animal Haven was born.
A Lifelong Love for Animals
Reni's rescue journey began when she was just six years old.
While attending a wedding, she found a tiny black kitten that needed help.
She wrapped it in a jacket, fed it scraps from the wedding meal, and when it was time to go home, she refused to leave without it.
The kitten went home with her.
Looking back, Reni laughs that perhaps she was simply born this way.
She has never been able to walk away from an animal that is neglected, abandoned, injured, or in need of help.
What started with one kitten has grown into a lifelong mission.
How We Help
🐾 Animal Rescue
Providing a safe haven for abandoned, neglected, injured, and vulnerable animals in need of immediate care and protection.
❤️ Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care
Offering food, shelter, veterinary care, and ongoing support to animals recovering from injury, trauma, or neglect.
🏡 Sanctuary & Forever Homes
Giving animals a permanent, loving home when rehoming is not possible, ensuring they can live out their lives in safety and dignity.
How You Can Help
💛 Make a Donation
Your financial contribution helps us provide food, shelter, veterinary care, staff support, and security for over 300 rescued animals.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
🏦 Sponsor Through Bank Transfer
Prefer to donate directly?
Bank Windhoek
Branch: Otjiwarongo
Branch Code: 481-573
Account Number: 8024 7397 60
Swift Code: BWLINANX
Your support helps cover our largest monthly expenses, including animal food, medical treatment, and the ongoing care of our sanctuary residents.
🐾 Donate Food & Supplies
Many of our animals rely on donated food and supplies.
We welcome:
• Animal food
• Blankets and bedding
• Cleaning supplies
• Animal medication
• Feeding bowls and equipment
If you'd like to donate supplies, please contact us directly to arrange delivery.
📞 +264 81 272 7427
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❤️ Why Your Support Matters ❤️
🐾 Feeding 300+ Animals
Every day, hundreds of animals rely on Bubu's Animal Haven for food and care.
From cats and dogs to rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, pigs and more, your support helps keep bowls full and animals healthy.
🏥 Veterinary Care
Many animals arrive injured, abandoned, neglected or in urgent need of medical attention.
Donations help cover veterinary treatment, medication, rehabilitation and emergency care.
🛡️ Protecting the Sanctuary
Because of poaching and theft risks in the area, the sanctuary requires overnight security to keep both animals and staff safe.
This is one of the sanctuary's largest ongoing expenses and an essential part of protecting the animals in our care.