Meet the Team

  • A smiling person with white hair wearing a blue shirt and glasses on a chain.

    Cupie Pagel

    FOUNDER

    Cupie studied Med Tech, SANEF level 2 riding instructor and TEFL English but eventually followed her passion in animal husbandry. This passion has driven her to learn the veterinary side and help improve the lives of all animals. She now wants to pass this passion on to the students so that they can become great vets.

  • A man wearing a cap and a button-up shirt with a logo, standing outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.

    Trevor Pagel

    FOUNDER

    Born and bred from a farming background and farmed, Trevor has stuck to his passion. He successfully completed a National Diploma in Agriculture from the Pretoria Technicon. As permanent host for the duration of the program, and to make the stay as interesting as possible, Trevor has a wealth of general knowledge and experience to willingly share.

  • Group of people outdoors talking near parked cars, holding walking sticks, with trees and grass in the background.

    The Farmers

    WISE MEN

    We have an amazing team of farmers who grant us access to their farms and allow us to work with their animals.

    Farmers are the backbone of our society, working tirelessly to produce the food that fuels our lives and sustains our communities. They embody resilience, innovation, and dedication—a trifecta of qualities that are essential in today’s ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

    Farmers are not just cultivators of food; they are stewards of the land, committed to preserving natural resources for generations to come. By purchasing products directly from farmers, you empower them to continue their essential work, fostering a vibrant community and maintaining biodiversity.

    They are willing to impart with a great deal of knowledge and show students what it takes to run a livestock farm in South Africa. We are extremely grateful for this and super lucky to have this opportunity.

  • Person holding a brown horse and a gray horse, standing with a black miniature horse in a grassy outdoor setting.

    Sage Pagel

    VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Sage graduated from Equine-Librium College, BSC Veterinary Physiotherapy, in 2019.

    Sage is looking forward to teaching the students anatomy and a crash course in physiotherapy and lameness and to show students the transformative power of physiotherapy for your beloved pets. Specialized physiotherapy services are designed to enhance mobility, alleviate pain, and promote overall well-being for animals of all ages and spiecies.

  • People in casual attire standing beside a white truck in a rural landscape with green grass, trees, and hills in the background.

    Dr Robbie and Dr Teneal McFarlane

    Husband and Wife doctor duo Robbie and Taneal are large animal veterinarians and run a mobile clinic, Border Kei Veterinary Consultants.

    Discover the exceptional veterinary care offered by Dr. Robbie and Dr. Teneal with extensive experience and a shared passion for animal welfare, both veterinarians are committed to providing top-notch care for commercial livestock and working closely together with farmers to achieve their goals.

    They form an integral part of the team and really strive to encourage our vet students to pursue the veterinary dreams.

  • Dr Karl Hagemann

    Dr. Karl brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the field of veterinary medicine. With a passion for animal care and a commitment to excellence, he has dedicated his career to ensuring the health and well-being of pets and livestock alike, running his own practise, Aloe Vet Clinic.

    His comprehensive knowledge spans various areas, including preventative care, emergency response, and specialized treatments.

    Together with Phezulu Pre-Vet, Dr. Karl is not only dedicated to treating animals but also to educating our students.

  • Dr Gary Bauer

    Dr. Gary, a dedicated wildlife veterinarian with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the care of our planet’s most incredible creatures. Dr. Gary, of Gondwana Wildlife Services, specializes in the health and rehabilitation of both native and exotic wildlife. As a passionate advocate for conservation, Dr. Gary understands the unique challenges wildlife face in today’s environment. His comprehensive services include medical examinations, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation programs tailored specifically to the needs of each species. Dr. Gary ensures that every animal receives the highest standard of veterinary care. His commitment goes beyond treatment; he collaborates with Phezulu Pre-Vet to promote awareness and education about wildlife health and preservation.