U.S. Friends of the HESC, Inc.

The U.S. Friends of the HESC, Inc. is a legally registered 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. Charitable contributions to U.S. Friends of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Inc. are deductible for U.S. Income Tax purposes, to the extent allowed by law.

We are pleased that 100% of funds raised in the U.S. go directly to the HESC as a result of all our expenses being generously covered by sponsoring donors. The money raised by the U.S. Friends of the HESC goes toward:

  • Upkeep of the Centre
  • Care of the animals
  • Research projects
  • Student internship programs



The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was established by Ms. Lente Roode and focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah conservation is one of our core disciplines.

We are actively involved in the breeding of endangered, vulnerable or rare animal species; the education of learners, students and the general public in conservation and conservation activities; eco-tourism; the release and establishment of captive-bred cheetahs back into the wild; the treatment and rehabilitation of wild animals that are brought to the Centre. The HESC also offers an intensive, hands-on Student's Programme to conservation and adventure enthusiasts from around the world.