Kayleigh manages Wildlife ACT’s Zululand Volunteer Projects, coordinating the day-to-day running of monitoring projects across the region while also supporting the Wild Dog Programme. With degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Management, and field research experience in Madikwe Game Reserve, she brings both scientific grounding and hands-on field instinct to her leadership role.
Kayleigh grew up in Johannesburg, where family trips to the Kruger and Pilanesberg were rare windows into the bush that sparked a lifelong love of nature. She studied at the University of Pretoria, completing a BSc in Zoology in 2015 and a BSc Honours in Wildlife Management the following year, developing a particular passion for mammals along the way.
A highlight of her studies was living in Madikwe Game Reserve, researching the impact of Elephants on trees. Before joining Wildlife ACT in 2019, she gained further experience managing wildlife rehabilitation at a private game reserve.
Kayleigh joined Wildlife ACT in 2019 as a Priority Species Monitor at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, before progressing into her current role managing the day-to-day functioning of Wildlife ACT’s Zululand Monitoring Projects, ensuring reserves receive strong support from teams on the ground and providing guidance to monitors across the region.
She also supports the Wild Dog Programme as the KZN Wild Dog Management Group Secretariat, working closely with Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, and Zululand’s Vultures. She remains closely connected to the field, and recalls one of her proudest moments spotting a wire snare on a Wild Dog during routine monitoring at Manyoni, leading to its safe removal the following day.
Outside of work, Kayleigh enjoys quiz nights around Ballito and uMhlanga, Sunday markets, and spending time in the bush.
“Being part of or observing those full circle moments fuels me. There are moments where we question whether the hard days are worth it, but when you take a step back and see the bigger picture, it’s worth it.”