Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary

George sits at the edge of the Garden Route's conservation zones, where wildlife sanctuaries have become integral to the local tourism economy. Unlike the Big Five reserves further north, this region's sanctuaries focus on species recovery and rehabilitation—big cats, primates, and endemic birds—drawing visitors who want meaningful wildlife engagement without the three-hour drive to Kruger. The sanctuary's role goes beyond tourism: it functions as a refuge for rescued animals and contributes to local job creation in a region where tourism and agriculture shape the economy. For many George residents, these facilities represent conservation work happening on their doorstep.