Pretoria, South Africa — South Africa’s veterinary community has rallied around respected veterinarian Dr Hendrik Hansen, raising almost R350,000 in just four days to support his ongoing medical rehabilitation following a critical health emergency.
According to his BackaBuddy campaign, Dr Hansen became critically ill following an accident and exposure to potent medicines used in wildlife sedation and anaesthesia.
He was admitted to hospital and spent time in a coma.
The campaign describes his condition as having been extremely serious, with his family and medical team at one stage facing difficult decisions about his prognosis.
Dr Hansen survived and has since begun what the campaign describes as a long and demanding recovery process.
A Career Dedicated to Animals and the Veterinary Profession
Dr Hansen is described by campaign organiser Joubert Viljoen as a respected veterinarian who has made significant contributions to wildlife and production-animal veterinary science over several decades.
Messages from donors reflect the impact he has had across the profession.
Several supporters have thanked him for his knowledge, mentorship and contribution to younger veterinarians, while others have recognised his years of work with wildlife and animals.
One donor wrote that Dr Hansen’s “knowledge, dedication and willingness to help others” had made a lasting difference in many lives.
Another thanked him for what he had invested in “the profession and especially young veterinarians”.
The support has also extended beyond individuals.
A contribution of R50,000 was made by VetsBrands & Vetscripts, while other donors from within the veterinary and wildlife sectors have also contributed towards the fundraiser.
Rehabilitation Becomes the Next Challenge
According to the campaign, the family was informed that Dr Hansen’s medical aid would stop contributing towards hospital treatment during the final week of October 2026.
The fundraiser was therefore created to help cover the costs associated with his continued treatment and rehabilitation.
His recovery is expected to require ongoing medical care, and the campaign is calling on colleagues, friends, family and members of the broader veterinary community to help ensure that this treatment can continue.
For those behind the fundraiser, the response so far reflects the impact Dr Hansen has made during his career.
The campaign describes him as a “stalwart of the profession” and says the goal is to support him now in the same spirit in which he has supported animals, colleagues and the veterinary field over many years.
Nearly 70% of the Goal Raised
Within four days of launching, the campaign has reached approximately R349,400 of its R500,000 target.
That leaves around R150,000 still to be raised towards Dr Hansen’s rehabilitation and ongoing medical needs.
The messages accompanying donations have consistently focused on recovery, gratitude and the contribution he has made to veterinary medicine.
For Dr Hansen’s supporters, the fundraiser is an opportunity to stand behind someone who has spent much of his career caring for animals and contributing to the people around him.
To support Dr Hendrik Hansen, visit Dr Hendrik Hansen’s BackaBuddy campaign.
