The ZEN Project

Creating a "culture of care" where orphaned elephant calves are given a second chance at a life in the wild.

We believe that the elephant nursery is about affording the individual orphans a second chance at life. These orphans, who have been severely traumatized, deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive in the natural world. It is also about sharing the experience of these individuals with human kind. Of asking human beings to look beyond their own species … to draw a parallel between themselves and something that is wild.

ZEN Rescue

ZEN Rescue

Elephant rescues often require the young orphans to be immobilized by our vet Mark Lombard before being airlifted to Harare International Airport. Once back on the ground, the orphans are moved to the nursery where undergo specialized care until they are nursed back to health.

ZEN Rehabilitation

ZEN Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation process is a 3 to 5 year process where each individual elephant is given specialized care dependent on their specific individual needs. During this process, the elephants begin the process of learning to adjust to a life in the wild.

 

ZEN Rewilding

ZEN Rewilding

As our elephants grow into young, healthy adolescents a decision is made by all stakeholders and are then moved to our concession in Victoria Falls. Here the elephants begin their journey back into the wild.

 

Some facts about The ZEN Project

Wild Is Life and ZEN is a constant work in progress

Through a dedicated team of professionals, conservationists, and veterinarians, our projects continue to grow and evolve. We are constantly learning and, while we don't always get it right, we are committed to the long-term sustainability of wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

2012

Year Estabished

13

Elephants in Rehabilitation

34,000

Hectares Protected
small baby elephant

THE ZEN Nursery

The ZEN Nursery has been established as a specialized care-center for neonate elephants

The nursery was established in 2013 with the specific purpose of caring for orphaned neonate elephants. These young orphans require specialized care as they  are particularly vulnerable in their early years. Because of the specialized nature of this work, the babies require around the clock attention to ensure their best chance of survival. Equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, the ZEN nursery is the only facility of its’ kind in Zimbabwe.

ANIMAL WELFARE

The welfare of each individual elephant that comes into our care is our primary concern. We take great measures to ensure that these vulnerable babies are given the necessary attention, care, and love that is needed to ensure every possible chance of survival.

NEONATE REHABILITATION

Rehabilitating neonate elephants is a difficult process and requires a diverse team of experts to ensure success. We have adopted a holistic approach to the way in which we undertake the rehabilitation of each baby in our care. All babies are treated as individuals and, with a dedicated team of veterinarians, nurses, and carers, we are constantly learning new and innovative ways to support and care for these vulnerable creatures.

RESEARCH

We believe that research is a critical part of the work that we do. We are consistently collecting and analyzing data from each individual elephant to ensure that our babies have the best possible chance of a full reintegration back to the wild.

ZEN Re-Wilding

A 34,000 hectare protected area where our elephants learn the tricks and trades of being wild elephants.

In 2015 the ZEN Project partnered with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to establish our re-wilding facility in Panda Masui Forest Area. This area was identified because of its’ strategic positioning in the KAZA region and ZEN has since established a 25-year lease with Forestry Commission to ensure that the area is fully protected. This allows our elephants to have a safe transition back into the wild whilst also enabling us to realize our goals of having a larger impact in the conservation space. 

RE-WILDING ORPHANED ELEPHANTS

The ZEN Project has always had the vision of giving orphaned elephant calves a second chance at a life lived in the wild. Our Re-Wilding facility in Victoria Falls in Victoria Falls offers us the opportunity to give our ele’s the best possible chance of that becoming a reality. The 34,000 hectare protected area ensure’s that our elephants are protected at all times while they adjust to living in the bush. Currently, we have 6 elephants which are well on their way towards making a full reintroduction back to the wild.

HABITAT RESTORATION

Through our partnership with Tree Eco, we have established 6 tree nurseries around Zimbabwe to support and scale our goal of planting 5 million tree’s by 2020. So far, we have planted more than 200,000 indigenous tree’s, distributing tree’s to 2,200 rural households.

ANTI-POACHING

ZEN supports Forestry Commission in their anti-poaching activities across the country. At Panda Masuie, we have 12 full time rangers equipped with state-of-the-art gear needed to protect the concession which spans 34,000 hectares. Our anti-poaching program will grow in the next 5 years as we plan to increase our ranger base to 35 rangers.
Large adult elephant

Become a part of the Herd

All donations go directly towards supporting the wellbeing of our animals.

Wild Is Life USA is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization, meaning your donations may be tax deductible under U.S. law.

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The Wild Team

Roxy Danckwerts
Roxy Danckwerts

Founder of Wild Is Life and ZEN

Roxy Danckwerts

Founder of Wild Is Life and ZEN

Jos Danckwerts
Jos Danckwerts

Director of Conservation

Jos Danckwerts

Director of Conservation

Angela Styles

Managing Director Wild Is Life

Angela Styles

Managing Director Wild Is Life

Paradzai Mutize
Paradzai Mutize

Head of ZEN Re-Wilding

Paradzai Mutize

Head of ZEN Re-Wilding

January Gweshe
January Gweshe

Head of the ZEN Nursery

January Gweshe

Head of the ZEN Nursery

Alex Norman
Alex Norman

Director of Sanctuary Operations

Alex Norman

Director of Sanctuary Operations

Dr. Mark Lombard

Chief Veterinarian

Dr. Mark Lombard

Chief Veterinarian

Wild Supporters and Partners

The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery is generously supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.With offices in 15 countries and projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW is a reputable animal welfare organization.

Wild Is Life and ZimParks formed a strategic partnership to develop ZEN, the nations first elephant nursery in Zimbabwe. Through the assistance of Zim Parks, ZEN receives the necessary support to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.

Tree Eco grows, plants and monitors indigenous and fruit tree species in Zimbabwe. To date, more than 200,000 tree’s have been planted, 6 tree nurseries have been established and 2,200 households have been impacted.

Wild Is Life has signed a management agreement with Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to protect and conserve 34,000 hectares of forest land while assisting Forestry Commission in anti-poaching operations.

Tree Eco grows, plants and monitors indigenous and fruit tree species in Zimbabwe. To date, more than 200,000 tree’s have been planted, 6 tree nurseries have been established and 2,200 households have been impacted.

The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery is generously supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.With offices in 15 countries and projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW is a reputable animal welfare organization.

Wild Is Life and ZimParks formed a strategic partnership to develop ZEN, the nations first elephant nursery in Zimbabwe. Through the assistance of Zim Parks, ZEN receives the necessary support to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.

Wild Is Life and ZimParks formed a strategic partnership to develop ZEN, the nations first elephant nursery in Zimbabwe. Through the assistance of Zim Parks, ZEN receives the necessary support to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.

Wild Is Life and ZimParks formed a strategic partnership to develop ZEN, the nations first elephant nursery in Zimbabwe. Through the assistance of Zim Parks, ZEN receives the necessary support to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.

Wild Is Life and ZimParks formed a strategic partnership to develop ZEN, the nations first elephant nursery in Zimbabwe. Through the assistance of Zim Parks, ZEN receives the necessary support to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants.

Tree Eco grows, plants and monitors indigenous and fruit tree species in Zimbabwe. To date, more than 200,000 tree’s have been planted, 6 tree nurseries have been established and 2,200 households have been impacted.

Wild Is Life has signed a management agreement with Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to protect and conserve 34,000 hectares of forest land while assisting Forestry Commission in anti-poaching operations.