Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Safari Winery has joined forces with Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. A portion of the proceeds from all wine club sales is dedicated to supporting this organization in its mission to conserve, protect, and rehabilitate injured wildlife.
History
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust began in 2008 by Gavin and Shay Best, two passionate conservationists who at the time were shareholders in Wild Horizons; a top adventure & activity tour operator in Victoria Falls. They believed more needed to be done in the region for wildlife conservation. Wild Horizons helped establish the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, which initially involved a lot of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe.
In the last 15 years we have developed our conservation efforts to include working with local communities to focus on conserving habitats, finding scientific wildlife management solutions, and improving health through screening and prevention of transboundary animal diseases. We have also expanded internationally with registered sister charities in both the USA and the UK.
Programs
Rescue & Rehabilitation Program
The Trust works to conserve all wildlife. In cases in which wildlife has been injured or orphaned due to human interference we will assist in looking after that animal.
Wildlife Research
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust believes that wildlife research plays a key role in finding sustainable solutions for long term conservation. Increasing human populations places strains on environmental resources, including wildlife habitat.
Wildlife Disease & Forensics Laboratory
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust has established a Wildlife Disease Diagnostics and Forensics laboratory in Victoria Falls National Park. The laboratory is a field station laboratory that aims to look at zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases.
Community Outreach
Many of the challenges we face in conservation are ultimately caused by humans. Therefore if we are to be successful in the long-term conservation of wildlife and natural resources we have to work with people so they see the benefits of conservation.
Countering Wildlife Crime
This initiative focuses on preventing poaching, trafficking, and other forms of wildlife crime through a combination of advanced forensic techniques, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Our work not only protects endangered species but also upholds the integrity of natural habitats, ensuring a safer future for wildlife.
Looking Forward
Wildlife populations are under threat and that is not going to change in the future. Human populations in Africa are predicted to double by 2050, and we have to find sustainable long-term solutions to manage this increase in population, and the demand that it will place on natural resources.
We will need to find ways to keep wildlife and their habitats connected despite fragmented landscapes, increasing human settlements, and pressure to utilize the same natural resources. We will also need to manage the conflict that will continue to arise at the interface between wildlife and people, particularly in rural communities. At the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust we believe that in order to manage this conflict and preserve wildlife at this interface, we need the support of the rural communities, and they in turn, need to see a benefit to having wildlife and protecting it.
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust believes a holistic approach to conservation is necessary to protect southern Africa’s majestic wildlife. They employ best science, community participation, visionary and practical management in their anti-poaching efforts, wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and research to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.
To learn more about their efforts please visit www.vicfallswildlifetrust.org
