Catchco Africa specializes in the capture and translocation of mainly elephants, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, hippo and also rare and endangered animals.

Catchco is also involved in numerous specialized conservation projects around Africa such as the re-introduction of wildlife into their historic ranges , breeding of various animals (disease-free buffalo; sable antelope; roan antelope), green hunting (Non Lethal ECO Hunts) of all species, elephant contraception, ethical culling of elephants and other specialized research projects (i.e. Elephant Sterilizations and Vasectomies).

Catchco has pioneered the development of what they call ‘Game Management Safaris’, a unique experience offering individuals or corporates the opportunity to experience wildlife management activities first hand. The proceeds of such Safaris are in turn used to fund the various management activities in the Provincial Parks concerned. Without such initiatives these important management functions would not have taken place due to the lack of funds.

Catchco’s activities are not limited to the boundaries of South Africa ; our involvement in wildlife exports has exposed us to the International market. Due to all the high profile work carried out by Catchco Africa, the company has often been in the centre of media coverage across the country and has also featured in many wildlife documentaries for Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel as well as local Documentaries too.

Catchco Africa is managed by Dr. Douw Grobler (Wildlife Veterinarian) and JJ van Altena (Wildlife Specialist). This company specializes in the capture and translocation of mainly elephants, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, hippo and also rare and endangered animals. 

Catchco has pioneered the development of what they call ‘Game Management Safaris’, a unique experience offering individuals or corporates the opportunity to experience wildlife management activities first hand. The proceeds of such Safaris are in turn used to fund the various management activities in the Provincial Parks concerned. Without such initiatives these important management functions would not have taken place due to the lack of funds. Catchco’s activities are not limited to the boundaries of South Africa ; our involvement in wildlife exports has exposed us to the International market. Due to all the high profile work carried out by Catchco Africa, the company has often been in the centre of media coverage across the country and has also featured in many wildlife documentaries for Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel as well as local programmes too.

Dr. Grobler has a long background with the South African National Parks and was deployed as a veterinarian in 1988 to the organization whilst completing military service. He worked as a veterinarian and assisted the KNP and State Veterinary Department with all captures, culling projects, research projects and disease outbreaks. In 1990 he was appointed as Section Ranger of Mahlangeni in the Kruger National Park and commenced research and field work on the epidemiology of copper poisoning and pollution in the Phalaborwa area of the KNP (MSc thesis). In 1994 he was transferred to the Tshokwane section and became more involved with game capture and relocation work as well as other research projects. He was transferred to Skukuza section and became more involved with research work and veterinary science. Completed MSc thesis. Then he was appointed as Manager: Game Capture (KNP) and was responsible for all game movements and relocations in the Kruger National Park as well as a majority of the veterinary research projects. Project responsibility included relocation projects in Namibia, Malawi and Botswana; relocation of adult elephants; relocation of first adult elephant bulls; breeding of first disease-free buffalo from Kruger buffalo; elephant contraception; white rhino relocations to USA, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia; donations of new capture trucks and equipment and building of new veterinary complex at Skukuza, until 2001 when he started Catchco Africa with Mr Van Altena.

Mr. JJ van Altena completed his diploma in Nature Conservation in 1994 and joined the KNP for his practical year. During this year JJ was employed as a field guide which included guided game drives and walks. He subsequently became involved with game capture and elephant contraception research for the next seven years. During this time he also gained experience in a variety of conservation projects such as the culling of buffalo and elephant; section ranger duties(ie.anti-poaching and veld management), elephant capture and all aspects of various other wildlife relocation projects. He did all the practical courses in handling of weapons and dangerous animals and has led several operations as ground team co-ordinator for the culling of buffalo and problem elephant bulls and has had vast experience in handling of dangerous game. During his service in the Parks Board, he also gained vast experience in the field of veld management and utilization. As well as completing courses on ecology, environmental education and sustainable utilization he is also a qualified professional hunter and FGASA guide. JJ used his pilot licence to assist in the aerial tracking of various collared animals within the KNP. In July 2001 JJ joined forces with Dr. Grobler and founded Catchco Africa.

Dr.Grobler and Mr.van Altena have a unique working relationship which goes back some 11 years in the wildlife industry, more than half of which was spent in the Kruger National Park.