Proudly Animal-Led
aBOUT cORNELLSKOP
A working farm built around its animals, offering a more thoughtful approach to ethical animal encounters in South Africa.
Get to know us
About the
Cornellskop Farm
Situated in the Van der Stel Pass Valley, 90km from Cape Town and just outside Botrivier, Cornellskop is a 118-hectare working farm that provides a structured, permanent home to a range of rescued and professionally trained African wildlife.
Cornellskop was founded in 2005 by experienced animal trainer Luke Cornell, who has spent over 35 years working with animals. What began as a growing collection of animals under his care developed into a dedicated farm environment built to house, manage, and protect them properly.
Cornellskop is not a performance venue or a commercial breeding facility. It is a carefully managed environment where animals are prioritised, routines are respected, and visitors can experience animal encounters in the Western Cape in a guided, responsible way.
Behind The BRAND
Meet the Team
Cornellskop was founded by animal trainer Luke Cornell, whose decades of experience working with wildlife shape the structure and philosophy of the farm today. Along with a dedicated team of trained guides who live and work on the farm, Luke has created an incredible home for his animals.
Luke Cornell
AKA: The Big Boss
LuCA Cornell
AKA: The Cat Whisperer
Charlie
AKA: Mother of All Orphans
Corrie
AKA: Fixer of Broken Things
Ethan
AKA: Farm Hand Extraordinare
Esmee
AKA: Finder of Lost Things
Gabriel
AKA: Farmhand of Wisdom
Riaan
AKA: Leader of the Peacocks
How We Operate
Our Animal-First Approach
Life on the farm is structured around the needs of the animals. Enclosures, schedules, and interactions are designed to support both physical and psychological wellbeing.
Animals are not forced to perform or interact. Engagement is always guided and controlled, and may be adjusted or ended at any time based on behaviour.
The farm is inspected annually by Cape Nature and the State Vet to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and welfare standards. All animals are held on valid permits, and veterinary care is provided by local professionals.
Cornellskop is not a breeding facility. Where appropriate, animals have been spayed or undergone vasectomies to prevent breeding.
Be A part of the farm
Adopt a kop
How We Operate
Our Animal-First Approach
Life on the farm is structured around the needs of the animals. Enclosures, schedules, and interactions are designed to support both physical and psychological wellbeing.
Animals are not forced to perform or interact. Engagement is always guided and controlled, and may be adjusted or ended at any time based on behaviour. This animal-first approach is central to how Cornellskop offers ethical animal encounters in South Africa.
The farm is inspected annually by Cape Nature and the State Vet to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and welfare standards. All animals are held on valid permits, and veterinary care is provided by local professionals.