aBOUT cORNELLSKOP

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 and routines are respected.

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.

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.