Meet the breeders

Awesome Krimpvarkies owner Lizl van Vreden, is based in Mpumalanga, Pullenshope. Being a hedgehog owner from 2016, and breeder from 2018. Lizl become a registered breeder in 2020 at The Hedgehog Program, from the Netherlands, and from there on founded SAHBA in 2021 and is a Executive Member since. Lizl mainly focus on African PygmY hedgehogs but also have a breeding pair of Lesser Tenrecs. Awesome Krimpvarkie babies are known to won awards annually

Mitchells Hedgehogs, based in KZN has Lynda Mitchell at the steering wheel. Lynda is also a Board Member of SAHBA. She has been meddling with hedgehogs and tenrecs from 2020. Initially got two tenrecs, and assisted fostering rescued hedgehogs, and finally got her own hedgehogs. In 2023 Lynda completed the breeders course at SAHBA and joined here as a registered breeder. Mitchells Hedgehogs got a 3rd place in the Young Breeders Awards 2023, including awards in 2024.

Magriet Pretorius is the owner of MP Hedgehogs. Magriet is based in Vanderbijlpark Gauteng. Magriet assisted in rescuing an indigenous hedgehog in early 2022, and fell in love with hedgehogs and just had to have a African Pygmy then! She is a registered breeder from 2023 and valuable member here. Magriet has since won a breeders award in 2024

Jean`s Hedgehogs and Tenrecs are managed by Jean Folscher from Prieska, Northern Cape. This pensioner lady become a registered breeder at SAHBA in 2023. Jean owns a number of hedgehogs and tenrecs. Jean`s Hedgehogs and Tenrecs got a second place in the Young Breeders Awards 2023

Gloreen Karsten is a resident of Pretoria Gauteng. Gloreen got her first two hedgehogs in July 2021. Like it goes with hedgehogs: Once you get poked, you are hooked! She become a registered breeder at SAHBA in 2023. Azalia`s Hedgehogs won the Young Breeder of the Year Award in 2023. She also won several other awards in 2024, including Breeder of the Year title

Dori is a couples team, consisting of Deon Mostert and Rika Zietsman. Deon being the handy man and Rika the admin lady. They are based in North West Christiana, and Dori become registered in 2024. Rika got first involved with hedgehogs in 2019, and from there on she also got tenrecs in. Rika is also a Board Member, Tenrec Specific, as tenrecs is her speciality. 

Taylor Iori or better known as Bailey is our youngest breeder. She attended the 2024 Breeders Course and completed her practicals in early 2025. Bailey started her career as hedgehog owner off with a petshop hedgehog, and as the old story goes, it didn`t stay with one! 

Mel or better known as Melanie Buzybody is tenrec enthusiast. Mel had bought her first tenrecs in 2022. She since had to hand-raise a litter of tenrec babies and gained valuable experience through that. Mel had build relationships with SAHBA members since she got her first tenrecs and proved prior to her joining SAHBA in 2025, that she will be a member SAHBA can be proud off. Mel`s Tenrecs are based on Krugersdorp.