Zimbabwe – African Wildlife Orphanage

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, thrives as a vital economic and cultural hub with a population exceeding 650,000. Esteemed as the industrial backbone of the nation, Bulawayo is not just the center for business but also a gateway to Zimbabwe’s rich natural heritage, including the Matopo National Park. This park, noted for its unparalleled leopard population, underscores Zimbabwe’s dedication to wildlife conservation. Furthermore, the city’s proximity to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, also known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” highlights its significance. The falls, straddling the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offer a breathtaking spectacle of cascading waters and a unique ecosystem, drawing visitors globally to experience its majestic beauty and the surrounding rainforest’s diverse flora and fauna.

Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated not only for its geological and scenic splendor but also for the unique phenomena it presents, such as the moonbow, a lunar rainbow visible during the full moon. The falls’ vicinity is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, while its cultural significance to local communities adds a rich historical layer to its natural grandeur. This remarkable landmark, together with Bulawayo’s economic vibrancy and the natural beauty of Zimbabwe’s parks, showcases the country’s commitment to preserving its environmental and cultural heritage, making it a focal point for tourists seeking both adventure and insight into Zimbabwe’s diverse ecosystem and traditions.

​Celebrating more than 50 years of Wildlife Conservation, this orphanage is a haven for animals that have little hope for survival in the wild. These are creatures which have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. Additionally, it is home to an increasing number of animals that have been confiscated from illegal wildlife traffickers. The orphanage has been featured in countless documentaries and is now world-renowned for its pioneering work and is famed as one of Africa’s largest and most successful wildlife rehabilitation/release centers.

This project was established in 1973 by a former game ranger and is family-run. The wildlife orphanage is not a zoo. Wherever possible, rescued animals and birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. If safe release into their natural habitat is not possible, animals are cared for and kept for educational purposes and zoological study. In the case of endangered species, captive breeding programs may also be undertaken.

The five primary goals of the orphanage are as follows:

• Wildlife Orphanage/Animal Rehabilitation Center: to provide a service to rescue and care for injured wildlife, thereby providing a home for the many injured, sick, orphaned, abused, confiscated or abandoned wild animals from anywhere in Zimbabwe. Rehabilitation and release are a core aspect of the center whenever possible.
• Education: to educate the Zimbabwean public, especially young children, with the aid of live viewing of many species not easily seen in the wild. Provide relevant lectures, film and slide shows for visiting groups. Thus, providing a local resource center for children to appreciate the important value of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
• Nature Conservation: to teach people and especially children, to appreciate the wonder and variety of indigenous wildlife and not to take it for granted that these animals or their environment will always be there for their enjoyment without the correct management of our natural resources.
• Research: to observe and record useful zoological information on captive animals, such as body growth and development, nutrition, dentition and gestation periods. Relevant research and field surveys are undertaken in the wild, under natural conditions in National Parks and protected areas.
• Cooperation: to provide a link between local and governmental authorities, thus being able to offer assistance to organizations such as SPCA, National Parks, schools and private individuals wherever problem animals are concerned.

Upon arrival, volunteers will be met by a staff member who will take them to the orphanage. No experience is needed to work with the animals as all relevant training will be provided. All we ask is that volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated to working with animals. During the first week, volunteers will be getting to know how the orphanage runs. During this orientation period, volunteers will work with different staff members to get an overview of working with the carnivores, primates, birds of prey, snakes and domestic animals on-site.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Preparing food for the animals (keeping in mind the different diets of the various animals, including meat preparation)
• Feeding the animals
• Cleaning out enclosures
• Contributing enrichment ideas for the animals
• Assisting staff with educational outreach at local schools
• Helping build and maintain enclosures
• Giving tours and educating the public
• Hand-rearing orphans (Comforting them when they cry, feeding them when they become hungry and generally just playing with baby animals. However, this can also be very tiring as they may need feeding during the night or just need a cuddle when they get scared.)
• Special projects as needed

Please note that volunteer tasks depend on the current needs of the community and the wildlife and also upon the volunteers’ length of stay. Volunteers may only participate in some or all of the tasks.

Typical Schedule: Volunteers are expected to work six days per week, with Mondays off. Volunteers will work eight hours per day (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) but will always be on call during fire season and when there are babies on-site. Baby shifts will be shared between the volunteers, as we would not expect you to be awake with them all night.

2021 Achievements: Throughout 2020 the orphanage stayed open and functioned throughout COVID. We assisted the local communities with the capture and relocation of several animals. This included a brown hyena, leopard several snakes, genets, civets, and white-tailed mongoose

We successfully released:

• 25 tortoises,
• 5 genets,
• 9 vervet monkeys,
• 1 brown hyena,
• 1 leopard,
• 3 hedgehogs,
• 1 black sparrow hawk and 2 pythons.

With the help of volunteers, we completely renovated our kudu enclosure.

Internet: WiFi is available on site for a small fee. GoEco volunteers receive one free voucher of 10 GB and further wifi may be purchased for a $15 voucher. The local team will help also volunteers purchase a SIM card locally.

Laundry: Laundry is washed and freshly ironed by the staff twice per week. Delicates and undergarments are washed by hand personally by volunteers and hung to dry, supplies are provided.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in two to six person cabins. The rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, mosquito nets, shelves, wardrobe, bedside table and electricity. Additionally, volunteers will be provided with clean sheets, blankets and a swimming towel. The site has hot water showers, flushing toilets, braai (BBQ) area, kitchen and a small swimming pool, available for volunteers to use during the summer months. There is an entertainment room designed for volunteer with comfortable sofas, games, a library, a pool table, a dart board, and a projector to watch movies.

Food: Three meals are provided per day. Most meals include meat dishes but vegetarian meals can be arranged. Dinner is usually eaten together with the team of volunteers and/or local family. Tea, coffee and cold water are available throughout the day. If the volunteers wish to cook for themselves or have a braai (BBQ) they are more than welcome.
*Note: Due to the remote location, the project team cannot accommodate volunteers with a strict vegan or gluten-free diet.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Good level of English
• Motivation to work with animals
• Vaccinations – please consult a doctor before departure
• Flexible attitude and hard-working
• Dietary Requirements: At the moment, the project team cannot accommodate volunteers with a strict vegan or gluten-free diet

• Victoria Falls – Guided Trip with the program (2 week minimum): All volunteers staying 2 weeks or more will have the option wot visit this wonder of the world together with the group. The tour options here are extensive. Bungee jump off the bridge at Victoria Falls or go white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi River. Take a leisurely walk around Victoria Falls National Park to see “the smoke that thunders,” one of the natural wonders of the world. To finish off the day, go on a nice, relaxing sunset cruise and witness the animals bathing in the river. Payments for Victoria Falls are made locally in-country.
• Matopos Rhino Conservation Excursion – Guided Trip with the program (3 week minimum): You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see white rhinos in this beautiful national park. Explore the vital issues surrounding the endangered White and Black Rhino species in Africa during a dedicated day of education. A minimum duration of 3 weeks is required to guarantee this tour. It’s included for all volunteers who have signed up for 3 weeks or longer beginning in January 2024. The Rhino excursion can be paid in advance to GoEco for $125 USD for anyone who wishes to guarantee the experience.
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins – Guided Trip with the program (4 week minimum): The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are an ancient village built of stones on a hilltop. Zimbabwe derives its name from the ruins; “dzimba dzemabwe” means houses of stones. This trip includes round trip private transfer with the group, game drives, an overnight stay in a national park, a guided tour through the ancient historical site.  Typically once a month the team plans a group trip to this destination for a weekend for about $150 all inclusive (paid locally in cash), so we recommend a duration of 4 weeks to guarantee an opportunity to join on this trip.
• Hwange National Park: Independently from the program, volunteers can travel to this park. If it’s the wildlife you are after, Zimbabwe has many different game parks to choose from. Hwange National Park is the biggest and is said to be the best, covering 14,600 square kilometers with the largest number of animals in any national park in Zimbabwe. Volunteers will have a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocs, leopards, rhinos and many more, plus over 400 species of birds.
• Lake Kariba: Independently from the program, volunteers can travel to this lake. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake or reservoir, at a massive 220 kilometers long and up to 40 kilometers wide. It is very popular with tourists who enjoy using the lake as a mini-cruise. Volunteers can rent a house boat or use the ferry to get from Binga to Kariba. Is it a good place for fishing but also for wildlife viewing, as the animals come to the edges to drink. It is not advised to swim though, as it now has a population of Nile crocodiles and hippos.