Zimbabwe Wild Is Life Sanctuary

Wild is Life Sanctuary, a wildlife conservation sanctuary in Zimbabwe, rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured elephants and other animals. Roxy Danckwerts founded the sanctuary in 1988 in response to the need for a facility where abandoned, orphaned, and injured animals could be given a second chance at life. Wild Is Life Sanctuary in Zimbabwe rescues and rehabilitates wildlife, offering close-up encounters with elephants and pangolins. Visit effortlessly with a Zimbabwe eVisa for a seamless and enriching experience!

In the beginning, few wild animals such as Kudu, duiker and mongoose were rescued; now, the organisation has grown to an organization which rescues and rehabilitates antelopes, owls, genets, rewild animals and many more African animals. 

Our Evolutionary Path

In 2012, after continuously gathering the required authorisations and approvals, Wild is Life introduced a dedicated branch known as Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN).

Roxy, along with a team of dedicated professionals, conservationists, veterinarians, and carers, took on the challenging yet fulfilling task of rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured elephants.

The nursery, a unique facility in Zimbabwe, is fully equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. In less than 10 years, the team has rescued 50 elephants from different parts of Zimbabwe, with over 30 currently undergoing successful rehabilitation at the nursery.

The Sanctuary’s Next Big Step

Roxy has always been committed to not only rescuing and rehabilitating animals successfully but also giving them a second chance to live freely in the wild, where they truly belong.

This vision became a reality in 2015 when Wild is Life joined forces with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to create a rewilding facility in the Panda Masuie Forest Area near Victoria Falls.

Located nearly 1000 kilometres across the country from ZEN, this site was chosen for its strategic position in the KAZA region. To secure long-term protection, we established a 25-year lease with the Forestry Commission, ensuring the area remains fully safeguarded.

This vast and natural landscape provides rehabilitated elephants with a safe and protected space where they can thrive after leaving the nursery.

Paving the Way Forward

We are dedicated to making a lasting, sustainable impact on people, places, and animals—not just for the near future, but for future generations.

At ZEN, we are currently constructing a state-of-the-art hospital and surgical theatre to provide advanced treatment and care for the animals under our protection.

To further safeguard rehabilitated and wild elephants in the KAZA region, we are expanding protected zones to establish a secure corridor for their movement.

In every aspect of our work, we continuously seek to improve practices, strengthen collaborations, and advance research.

The legacy of Wild is Life ensures that future generations can connect with, appreciate, and protect Zimbabwe’s natural world, inspiring conservation efforts worldwide.

The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery

Roxy Danckwerts established the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) in 2013 at the Wild is Life Sanctuary in Harare. This initiative grew out of Wild is Life, providing individual orphaned elephants with a second chance at life.

These orphaned elephants, having endured severe trauma, deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive in their natural habitat once again. Our dedication and efforts are fully committed to making this possible.

The ZEN Project receives generous support from (IFAW), which has partnered with us to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability. We remain deeply grateful for their contribution.

So far, ZEN has rescued 50 orphaned elephants, with 30 currently undergoing rehabilitation and 12 preparing for their final step toward rewilding in Panda Masuie, near Victoria Falls.

How Do They Make a Difference?

The ZEN was established as a specialized care center for orphaned, milk-dependent elephant calves. These new orphans require individual care as they are vulnerable in their early years. Because of the high degree nature of this work, the babies require around-the-clock attention to ensure a chance of survival. The ZEN nursery is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure; it is the only facility of its kind in Zimbabwe.

The well-being of every elephant that comes for care is their top priority. They take extensive steps to provide these vulnerable young ones with the attention, care, and affection they need to maximize their chances of survival. Rehabilitating milk-dependent elephants is a complex process that requires a skilled and diverse team to ensure success.

Each calf is unique, so they remain adaptable in their approach to treatment. They take a holistic view in rehabilitating every baby in their care. By treating each calf as an individual and working closely with a dedicated team of veterinarians, nurses, and caregivers, we continuously learn and apply new, innovative methods to care for and support these precious animals. Research plays a vital role in their work; they consistently gather and analyze data on each elephant to give them the best possible opportunity for full reintegration into the wild.

Rescue

During elephant rescues, it is often necessary from their vet, Mark Lombard, to immobilize the young orphans before they are airlifted to Harare International Airport. Upon arrival, the orphans are transported to the nursery, where they receive specialised care until they recover and regain their health.

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation process takes between 3 to 5 years, during which each elephant receives specialised care tailored to their specific needs. Throughout this period, the elephants gradually learn to adapt to life in the wild.

Rewilding

As our orphaned elephants mature into strong, healthy adolescents, a decision is made in consultation with all stakeholders, after which they are relocated to our 34,000-hectare protected area near Victoria Falls. Here, they embark on the final stage of their journey back to the wild.

WILD IS LIFE SANCTUARY

Tourists are welcomed to visit the Wild is Life Sanctuary for a truly magical and unforgettable experience at their genuine animal sanctuary, where they will have the chance to meet, connect with, and learn about a variety of orphaned and rescued animals.

From elephants, pangolins, giraffes, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, kudu, wildebeest, warthogs, impalas, duikers, bushpigs, monkeys, bush babies, peacocks, ducks, to macaws and ostriches, visitors will experience their holistic approach to care and enjoy a unique, life-changing experience.

Each tour includes a luxurious high tea served in their elegant barn, along with chilled prosecco and delicious canapés. For afternoon tours, guests can enjoy these treats while watching the sunset from the veranda or patio.

Plan Your Ideal Tour

Tourists can choose from three types of tours: the morning tour, afternoon tour, and school tour. Each tour is scheduled at different time slots and is available on specific days of the week. Visitors have the flexibility to book a tour that best fits their travel plans.

Morning Tour

Connect with elephants, pangolin and plains game, giraffe feeding, lion and cheetah viewing. It is advised for the tourist to book their tour in advance.

# Days Available: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
# Time: 10am-12pm
# Includes: High Tea
# Excludes: Prosecco & Canapes

Afternoon Tour

Meet with their elephants and pangolins, observe plains game up close, feed giraffes, and enjoy lion and cheetah viewing. Visitors need to secure their booking beforehand.

# Days Available: Tuesday to Saturday
# Time: 3:30 pm-7:00 pm (Sep-March) 3:00 pm-6:30 pm (April-August)
# Includes: High tea, evening prosecco and canapes

School Tour

View elephants, meet and learn about our pangolin, feed giraffes, watch plains game grazing nearby, and see lions and cheetahs up close.

# Days Available: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
# Time: 9:30am to 11:00 am.
# Excludes: Food & drink.

Panda Masuie

In 2015, Wild is Life, in partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, secured Panda Masuie, a 34,000-hectare protected area near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This is where rescued and rehabilitated elephants from the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) take their final steps towards rewilding, fully reintegrating into the wild to roam freely alongside other wild elephants.

Located nearly 1,000 kilometers across the country from ZEN, this area was chosen for its strategic position within the KAZA region. To ensure its long-term protection, ZEN established a 25-year lease with the Forestry Commission.

Since its beginning, Panda Masuie has expanded and developed into much more, leaving a significant impact on the landscape, wildlife, and local communities. In just a few years, the dedicated Panda Masuie team, led by Jos Danckwerts, our committed and passionate pioneering Conservation Director, has renovated over 100 kilometers of roads, established 5 permanent water points, set up 4 ranger bases, and burns more than 120 kilometers of firebreaks annually.

These efforts have revitalized the area, giving it a new lease on life. With each passing year, more and more species of wild animals have returned, recognizing it as a place where they can find water, food, protection, and a safe habitat to roam freely.

A New Beginning for Little Giants

In 2018, the first relocation took place, with eight elephants carefully transported from ZEN in Harare to Panda Masuie. Two years later, in 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, a second major relocation saw another six elephants moved by road over 1,000 kilometers from Harare to Victoria Falls.

Both relocation operations were highly successful, with no injuries or complications, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Wild is Life, ZEN, and Panda Masuie teams in partnership with IFAW. Months of meticulous planning and preparation ensured that each elephant's journey was a triumphant success.

Rewilding Victory

The final step toward life in the wild is left to the rehabilitated elephants, allowing them to venture out at their own pace when they feel ready. The Panda Masuie herd frequently interacts with wild elephants in the area, sharing waterholes, meeting in the bush, or even visiting the Boma where the Panda Masuie herd rests at night.

So far, six elephants: Tulku, Lizzie, Mana, Matabele, and Jack—have successfully joined wild herds, completing their journey from rescue to rehabilitation and rewilding. This achievement is significant, as each elephant’s journey takes an average of over 5 years to come full circle.

Currently, some of the other elephants: Tess, Marsie, Amira, and Sizi spend varying amounts of time in the bush, ranging from a week to three months. They often return to the Bomas to reconnect with the Panda Masuie herd or simply to say hello before heading back into the wild when they feel ready.

Protecting Nature’s Future

Safeguarding the area from poaching is vital to the success of Panda Masuie and the broader vision of Wild is Life, as rewilding elephants would not be possible without a protected environment.

Defending the area against poaching requires continuous effort, and all anti-poaching initiatives are carried out in partnership with the Forestry Commission’s Forest Protection Unit (FPU). Currently, 18 trained rangers patrol the area ensuring the area remains free from poaching around the clock, every day of the year.

Together for Change

Empowering the community is essential to fully protecting the area and its wildlife! Some of their most impactful initiatives include:

• Installed a 14-kilometer human-elephant coexistence fence, leading to a 90% reduction in crop raiding and fostering a good relationship between communities and wild elephants.
• Installed a solar-powered water pump to ensure year-round access to clean water for the community.
• Launched a chilli out-grower scheme, supplying inputs, technical guidance, and market access to 16 farmers.
• Dipped 650 cattle every week while offering veterinary treatments and livestock assistance to local communities.
• Created more than 35 permanent jobs, strengthening livelihoods in the region.

Conclusion

WildLife Sanctuary and the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) have transformed wildlife conservation by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rewilding orphaned elephants. Their efforts extend beyond animals, supporting local communities with education, clean water, and sustainable farming.

Through anti-poaching initiatives and habitat protection, they ensure a safe future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, Wild is Life continues to inspire change, securing a lasting legacy for Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.

Frequently Asked Question

When should I reserve my visit to ensure availability?

We strongly advise reserving your visit ahead of time, particularly for weekends or holidays, to guarantee your preferred date and time.

Do they provide access for wheelchair users?

Yes they do, their staff will gladly assist those who require it to navigate the site comfortably.

Can I bring my children to Wild is Life?

Absolutely! Children are more than welcome at Wild is Life. For their safety, we kindly request that parents or guardians supervise their children closely throughout their visit.

How does Wild is Life ensure the long-term survival of rewilded elephants?

After being relocated to Panda Masuie, elephants have protected access to water, food, and natural habitats. They gradually integrate with wild elephant herds, ensuring a natural transition to life in the wild.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in February 2025, we advise checking with the relevant agencies, embassies, and airlines to confirm complete accuracy for your travel plans.