What does
Wild is life USA do?
Wild is Life USA was set up to provide financial support for saving elephants and restoring critical biodiversity corridors in Zimbabwe by way of our main partner, Wild Is Life Zimbabwe.
It’s an incredible story that begins with the vision of one woman – Roxy Danckwerts. Inspired by the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant nursery in Kenya, Roxy embarked on a crusade to save one elephant at a time, enduring gruelling conditions and hardship.
It was clear to us that for Roxy to thrive, she would need powerful international backing. That’s when we set out to help her and her team gain access to necessary resources. Today, several short years later, and much life-threatening initiative by dedicated members of the team, we can proudly say that Wild Is Life Zimbabwe has blossomed into a world-class operation. What started with the rescue of one baby elephant has blossomed into a major biodiversity and habitat restoration project of global significance, with elephant rescue and rehabilitation at its core.
Rewilding Our Orphaned Elephants Is Key
Wild is Life Zimbabwe’s vision has always extended beyond rehabilitation, aiming to return animals to their rightful place – the wild. To do this, we have partnered with the country’s Forestry Commission to set up a truly state-of-the-art rewilding facility in Panda Masuie Forest, located near to Victoria Falls. Positioned strategically in the KAZA TFCA region, and covering (84,000 acres), Panda Masuie is under a 25-year lease with the Forestry Commission, ensuring its full protection.
Since the project’s inception, Panda Masuie has since grown into a thriving ecosystem. Led by Jos Danckwerts, the organization’s dedicated Conservation Director, the Panda Masuie team has renovated extensive road networks, established permanent water sources, and set up ranger bases. They also conduct annual firebreak operations, enhancing the safety and well-being of the area.
These collective efforts have breathed new life into Panda Masuie, attracting a diverse range of wildlife species seeking water, food, protection, and a secure home where they can thrive freely. Year after year, the positive impact on the landscape, animals, and local communities becomes increasingly evident, all made possible by the support of compassionate individuals and Wild is Life’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.
The success of our work in Panda Masuie has garnered trust with the Forestry Commission and with local communities, which have benefitted greatly by way of employment, education, and the charitable community work we do in every area we operate.
Given our record of success, we have been granted the right to extend our efforts into two additional large adjacent forest reserves – Fuller and Kavira – under similar long-term leases. This greatly expands our footprint in partnership with the Forestry Commission and makes this biodiversity restoration work truly epic from a global perspective.
What does the future hold?
The urgent need to mobilize additional resources to continue Wild is Life’s work in Zimbabwe cannot be overstated. Elephants face numerous threats, from poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts. The demand for support is pressing as each day brings new cases of orphaned and injured elephants in need of immediate care and attention. Mobilizing more resources is not just a matter of compassion but also a matter of ecological significance. Elephants play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems, and their survival is integral to the overall health of Zimbabwe’s wildlife habitats, ecosystems and society.
Wild is Life USA is a charitable organisation and fundraising vehicle. We raise funds for Wild is Life Zimbabwe to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-wild orphaned and injured elephants in Zimbabwe. Wild is Life USA is a US501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please consider donating and joining us in making a profound impact on elephant conservation.
Reach us through info(at)wildislifeusa.com
with any comments or questions.
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