Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust assists NGOs and local wildlife authorities with combating wildlife crime. We are on call to rescue wildlife trapped in wire snares, rehabilitate animals that have been confiscated from illegal trafficking operations, and use scientific solutions to combat commercial wildlife poaching.
One of the largest forms of poaching in Africa is the use of wire snares to trap for bushmeat. In Zimbabwe, as in many African countries, poverty is a problem and the unemployment rates are over 80%. People will put out a wire snare to catch antelope or warthogs to be able to feed their families, but unfortunately the snares are not species-specific and so any animal can get trapped. This is still illegal and can become a bridge to other, more sophisticated forms of poaching. Some poachers are now using multi-strand wire to catch buffalo and elephant to sell the meat (commercial poaching).
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust works together with Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to reduce the amount of wildlife poached using wire snares.
One of the largest forms of poaching in Africa is the use of wire snares to trap for bushmeat.
Our team at the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust has 3 staff (Roger Parry, Jessica Dawson and Dr Chris Foggin (Wildlife Veterinarian)) who are licensed to use dangerous drugs. This means that we are on call to dart and immobilize snared wildlife from anywhere in the Victoria Falls region. Once the animal is immobilized we are able to remove the wire snare, treat the wound and release the animal. Since operating, we have immobilized and removed snares from hundreds of animals, including: giraffe, buffalo, lion, hyena, elephant, kudu, waterbuck, warthog and impala.
Each animal we immobilize requires drugs, medications, sterile equipment, sampling supplies, as well as personnel and vehicle/aerial support. If you would like to support us in our anti-poaching efforts and help us remove wire snares from wildlife, you can do so by donating funds to cover the cost of immobilization equipment. * The drugs and equipment used to remove the snare from 1 elephant costs approx. USD $250.
The illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products is rising, the main markets being in the East. Interpol estimates that the illegal wildlife trade now constitutes between USD 7-28 billion annually, growing at rate of 5-7% every year. Criminal networks with links to terrorism are also now involved in the illegal wildlife trade as means for laundering their money.
The illegal wildlife trade now constitutes between USD 7 – 28 billion annually
There are many different ways you can support the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.
Should you wish to make a non-monetary donation, or are travelling here and want to ‘pack for a purpose’, please see our Wishlist of items we are in need of.
Travelling to Victoria Falls?
Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust for a 1 hour tour of our High-Care Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Laboratory facilities.
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Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
1021 Holland Road, Ext.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Office Phone: +263 782 799 006
Laboratory: +263 782 799 007
info@vicfallswildlifetrust.org
Victoria Falls Wildlife Fund
P.O Box 23182
San Diego, CA 92193
US Registered Charity No. 98-6061293
Phone: +1 619 866 5592
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
9 The Clock Tower, Redlers Waterside,
Dudbridge Rd, Stroud, GL5 3LH, UK
UK Registered Charity No. 1166614
Phone: +44 7476 227684
val@vicfallswildlifetrust.org
