Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe

Along with a crumbling economy, Zimbabwe is facing a worrying drought that is leaving Zimbabweans hungry and decimating the country's wildlife. The dire drought and economic instability has resulted in massive food and water shortages for the local people and wildlife, and a vicious cycle has emerged in an already desperate situation.

Desperate for food and water, animals are wandering from the safety of reserves designed to protect them, in search of greener pastures. Away from safety, they become exposed to the threat of poachers and destroy local crops, resulting in further conflict with the people, creating a vicious cycle in an already desperate situation. At least 200 elephants and scores of other wildlife have already died from starvation according to the government.

The situation is very serious as elephants and several other iconic species are facing critical endangerment.

In April, I will head to Victoria Falls to do what I can to help preserve the conservation parks that these threatened animals call home. I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity and time to be able to help, and I'd love to extend that same privilege to you. My part is only small but with your support, more can be done.

For at least 4 weeks I'll be living and working in Zimbabwe on a Wildlife Conservation Project helping with:

• Waterhole creation, maintenance and monitoring
• Animal and bird monitoring, tracking and counting
• Road maintenance
• Upkeep of river crossings
• Education of locals to avoid animal/human conflict

These small but vital tasks should help to alleviate the impact of the awful food and water shortages and make the Zimbabwe a more habitable place for both the wildlife and local people. Any support you can contribute, whether it's financial or even a like or share, would be hugely appreciated and a step towards finding sustainable solutions for the people and wildlife of Zimbabwe :)