Fanie Barnardt (Owner)

The fully bilingual Fanie Barnardt a.k.a "Wildman" is a registered member of the Animal Rescue Team specializing in arachnids (spiders & scorpions), reptiles, and small mammals. His passion for animals and insects dating back to his childhood will soon become evident when you see him in action. He loves exotic animals and volunteers for the preservation of local wildlife by removing unwanted creatures, reptiles, and animals in the Randburg / JHB North and West areas and relocating them back to the wild. He is a certified technical trainer with the ability to communicate with all ages yet remains mindful of people's fears and perceptions towards some of the creatures featured.

His vast knowledge of animals and birds was built up over the years with hands-on practical experience as he cared for most of the animals used in his presentations which feature mainly surrendered, rescued, or abandoned animals. 

Caitlin (Co-owner and partner)

Caitlin’s journey started when she volunteered at Petcetra Pet Shop in Linden and after the passing of the owner, she acquired it and maintained the business for nearly a decade but regrettably had to close her doors in difficult times with the onset of the Covid pandemic. Having the same mindset and passion for animals, we combined our efforts and she joined Mobilezoo. Caitlin manages all parties and assists on school visits and the upkeep of our critters.

Looking back I jokingly mention to Caitlin that the petshop was the wrong choice for her as she ended up keeping more animals that the public brought in than actually selling them and she actively discouraged people from buying some of the animals she offered for sale knowing from experience that they will probably be returned at some point.

As per Caitlin she enjoys interacting with the feathered kind although she has a few beak scars to remind her to be careful. Her favourite feathered friend is called “Prince” who came to her just before her acquiring the shop, this mostly naked Sulphur-crested cockatoo has made many a person smile with his character. Most of her experience has been on hand raising birds and parrots, clipping wings doing nails etc, but she has a lot of practical experience with Hamsters, Rabbits and Guinea pigs to name but a few. Her favourite reptile was a bosh monitor lizard who found interesting hiding places when he escaped in her shop, usually hiding under things. She acquired an extensive knowledge on exotic animal health care from quite a few vet visits through the years she had the pet shop.

 After several years of spending most days in each other company, the working relationship grew into something more.

Andries (Assistant)

Andries has been working in the family for many years and started with Mobilezoo to assist with keeping our premises in order and assisting with feeding and cleaning. He soon accompanied us on visits to mainly rural schools to help interpret our message and we realized that adding another member to our team allows for a more controlled interactions especially with larger groups and taking e.g. three chinchillas rather than one or two allowed for a more a personal interactive experience in the limited time we are often given.

On occasion, when we go on leave Andries is the only person we will trust to look after our animals while we are away for a few days. Watching Andries talk and interact with the animals while feeding and cleaning it is evident that he really cares for the animals and the way they trust him shows a deep mutual bond. He also shares a few personal victories where kids' fears were turned into appreciation as a direct consequence of the message we as a team are spreading.

Andries has also grown in confidence and assists in all our interactive presentations at schools and not just the rural schools.

 



Back Back to top