Wild Is Life: A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
This sanctuary is a refuge for a diverse array of animals, from the majestic giraffe to the often-overlooked warthog. Each resident carries a story of hardship, be it injury, abandonment, or orphanhood. A committed team of carers nurture these creatures back to health, their dedication is a testament to the sanctuary’s ethos.
“As a manner of supporting the work we do, we offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable Sanctuary Experience where they meet and learn about a number of the precious animals in our care including giraffes, lions, pangolins, hyenas and elephants,” said Roxy Danckwerts, the visionary founder of Wild is Life Sanctuary.
In 2016, a pivotal partnership with the Zimbabwean government led to the lease of Panda Masuie Forest, a sprawling 34,000-hectare expanse near Victoria Falls. This became the ultimate goal for rehabilitated elephants and other suitable animals. Wild is Life established bomas within the forest, transitional homes for these animals before their much-anticipated return to the wild.
To date, ZEN has rescued a staggering 50 orphaned elephants, with a substantial number currently undergoing rehabilitation at various stages.
The sanctuary’s triumph is evident in the 13 elephants successfully and fully rewilded.
Wild is Life’s core mission is as clear as it is compassionate: rescue, rehabilitate, and rewild. It is a commitment to offering a second chance, a path back to the wild. “One by one, we respect each animal in our care as an individual and sentient being. We live by our culture of care, encompassing people, places and animals,” Roxy emphasized.
The journey began in the early 1990s when Roxy recognized a pressing need: a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, and orphaned animals.
What started as a humble backyard refuge for a few kudu, duiker, and mongoose has blossomed into a comprehensive organization rescuing, rehabilitating, and rewilding a vast array of African wildlife.
The establishment of the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) in 2012 marked a significant milestone. With unwavering determination and expert care, Roxy and her team embarked on the heart wrenching yet rewarding task of rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured elephants. ZEN, the only facility of its kind in Zimbabwe, stands as a beacon of hope for these gentle giants.
Roxy’s vision extended beyond rescue and rehabilitation. She yearned to return these animals to their rightful home: the wild. This dream materialized in 2016 with the partnership to establish a rewilding facility in Panda Ma-suie Forest.
“This area, almost 1000 km cross country from ZEN, was identified because of its strategic positioning in the KAZA region, and we have since established a 25-year lease with the Forestry Commission to ensure that the area is fully protected.
This wild and wonderful space ensures that rehabilitated elephants have a safe natural space to call home once they leave the nursery,” she explained.
Under the directorship of Jos Danckwerts, Panda Masuie has transformed into a thriving habitat conservation project, complete with a dedicated an-ti-poaching unit.
The forest’s remarkable recovery, now home to over 50 large mammal species, including endangered ones, is a true reflection of the sanctuary’s efforts.
This corridor between Zambezi and Kazuma Pan national parks is crucial for wildlife. Wild is Life’s commitment to excellence is mirrored in several key initiatives.
These include a steadfast dedication to creating a sustainable impact on people, places, and animals; the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital and surgical theatre; the expansion of protected zones for elephants; and a relentless pursuit of best practices, collaborations, and research.
Roxy envisions a legacy where future generations connect, embrace, and protect Zimbabwe’s natural world, inspiring conservation efforts globally.
Located a short drive from Harare International Airport, the Wild is Life Sanctuary is a haven nestled within a working farm and game park. Its 100-hect-are savannah woodland is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, kudu, wildebeest, lions, hyena, warthogs, and numerous other species.
The sanctuary is a crucial contributor to wildlife protection in Zimbabwe, rescuing animals from across
the country and safeguarding the vast Panda Masuie Forest. Its dedicated team of 130 staff members works tirelessly to fulfill this mission.
The ZEN Project, generously supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is a cornerstone of the sanctuary’s work. The costs of rehabilitating a single baby elephant, a staggering $10,000 per month, highlight the financial challenges faced by the organization. Visitor experiences, popular and award-winning, provide crucial support.
The sanctuary’s impact extends beyond wildlife. It has created stable employment and supports local communities through education, healthcare, and conflict mitigation, ensuring the building of a sustainable future for both people and animals.
Expansion is a key focus, with a new forest restoration project on Lake Kariba and the successful rehabilitation of bird species. Research initiatives, including elephant satellite tracking and camera trap studies, contribute to a deeper understanding of wildlife.
Poaching and habitat loss remain significant threats. Wild is Life addresses these challenges through employment creation and a robust anti-poaching program.
Financial sustainability is ensured through unwavering commitment to principles and building strong relationships with supporters worldwide.
Wild is Life is more than a sanctuary; it’s a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s wildlife and a symbol of the power of human compassion and dedication.
From: DESTINATION ZWISSUE12
