Our Story
Our cornerstone philosophy is "One by One", respecting each animal in our care as an individual and a sentient being.
“Wild is Life” has a long history and has grown exponentially over the past twenty years. From the humble beginnings of a few rescued wild orphans in our back yard, we have grown into the quality Animal Sanctuary that we are today. We are a genuine Wildlife Sanctuary, catering for injured, orphaned and rescued wildlife, as well as Endangered and Specially protected species. Our beginnings can be traced back to 1998, when we only had small creatures such as duiker and mongoose. We then grew substantially during the rocky and disturbing times of Zimbabwe, where we opened our arms to numerous species of wild mammals that needed a safe haven from the chaos that was prevailing.
“Wild is Life” consists of two branches, namely The Wild is Life Trust, and the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery.
Some facts about our projects
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.
1998
Founding Year
3
Established Projects
34,000
Hectares Protected
Wild Is Life Trust
Wild Is Life Trust oversee's all operations of the sanctuary, the nursery, and the release project
The Wild is Life Trust was officially formed in 2010, when Roxy Danckwerts, the protector of the Trust, felt that there was a need for the growing machinations of the Sanctuary to be assisted and monitored by an experienced team.
Ably guided by a formidable team of Trustees, The Trust is responsible for the welfare, development of facilities and the high standards of care that is offered to the resident Animals.
Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery
Zimbabwe's first elephant sanctuary rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-wilding injured and orphaned elephant calves
The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) was established in 2012 by Roxy Danckwerts. The ZEN Project is currently made up of two projects, the Nursery in Harare and the Re-wilding facility in Victoria Falls.
The ZEN Project is generously supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) who have partnered with ZEN to ensure the long term sustainability of the project.
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.
The Wild Team
Roxy Danckwerts
Founder of Wild Is Life and ZEN
Roxy Danckwerts
Founder of Wild Is Life and ZEN
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
Head of ZEN Re-Wilding
Paradzai Mutize
Head of ZEN Re-Wilding
January Gweshe
Head of the ZEN Nursery
January Gweshe
Head of the ZEN Nursery
Alex Norman
Director of Sanctuary Operations
Alex Norman
Director of Sanctuary Operations
Dr. Mark Lombard
Chief Veterinarian
Dr. Mark Lombard
Chief Veterinarian