The research laboratory facility at the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station is managed by the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases. The Wildlife Station, managed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria is located adjacent to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, about 70 kilometres from the town of Hoedspruit.

Contact information

* E-mail is the preferred form of communication for the laboratories

Mission

The Mission of Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS) is to function as a field-based research facility where we follow a multidisciplinary approach to address complex challenges and develop sustainable solutions for the problems associated with livestock/wildlife/ human/ecosystem at the interface, through the Mnisi Community Programme.

Vision

It is our vision that HHWRS be established as a locally, and internationally recognized research facility within the FMD and TB control zone. This strategic location places us in a unique situation in South Africa, by allowing us to facilitate research on specific diseases and animal populations that is not possible at any other facility, except Transboundary Animal Diseases unit of OVI.

Objectives

• Research: initiate innovative research that is relevant, of high quality and high-impact. Research is mainly focussed on the various aspect of the human/animal/ecosystem interface which include disease ecology and emergence, zoonoses, livestock production and trade, as well as natural resource utilisation.
• Training: provide quality training opportunities for researchers, both undergraduate and postgraduate, through in-house laboratory training or workshops, in topics relevant to our research themes; also capacity building of local farmers, both commercial and subsistence, through farmers’ days, research feedback sessions, and workshops that are relevant to the local communities.
• Community engagement: through a close relationship with the local Mnisi Traditional Authority, community engagement activities are conducted within the principle of Research Into Use with strategies and activities that ensure the upliftment and development of the local resource-poor community through innovative scientific initiatives and capacity building, a high priority.

Laboratories and Facilities

The Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station Laboratories are BSL2+ DALRRD approved laboratories. The laboratory is a satellite laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort campus.

We specialise in research unique to the location within the boundaries of the Greater Kruger National Park at the domestic/wildlife interface. Based on the location and approved permits, our lab is equipped to process samples onsite.

The laboratories are fully equipped for various disciplines. The Molecular laboratory is equipped with a real-time PCR as well as a conventional PCR machine. While the Microbiology laboratory is equipped with a Biohazard cabinet and aerobic and anaerobic incubator. The Clin path laboratory is set up for Heamatokrit’s and ELISA’s. The General Laboratory is equipped with both stereo and light microscopes.

Our Flagship is a fully equipped and DALRRD accredited BSL2+ Laboratory.

Coming Soon: A Diagnostic service, for area specific diseases.

In addition to the laboratory facilities, the Wildlife Research Station also offers the following:

• An auditorium with seating for 80 persons
• A conference room with seating for 10 persons
• Wifi
• Library
• Catering facilities
• Self-catering accommodation for 20 persons
• Camping site with communal kitchen and ablutions
• Swimming pool.