Harnass Wildlife Foundation. In 1978 when Nick and Mariet van der Merwe saved a maltreated vervet monkey from its owner for 5 Rand (USD 0.90) and a piece of bread. This ape was the beginning of a long line of animals that found refuge on their farm Harnas. The first spacious enclosure was built on the cattle farm to offer the animals a habitat as close to nature as possible.

Once the Marnischa Private Game Reserve was registered, the number of animals that had to be accommodated grew steadily - the Harnas Lion, Leopard and Cheetah Farm was born. To cover the ever increasing costs for food, new enclosures and medical treatment, which the family had financed itself until then, through profits from their cattle, Harnas opened its doors to visitors. In 1997, the Harnas Wildlife Foundation was established to control funds and donations received for the animals. The financial assistance that is attained through these donations enables the van der Merwes to continue their work. Harnas is not a zoo but an orphanage where orphaned, neclegded and injured animals find a safe refuge. The van der Merwes want to offer visitors the opportunity to get to know their characteristics. Several projects are already in progress or in the planning stages to make individuals outside Harnas aware of the necessity of wild life conservation.