VICTORIA FALLS ANTI-POACHING UNITDedicated to Wild life Conservation
The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and have been designated a World Heritage Site, under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The Falls are surrounded by the 2 340 ha Victoria Falls National Park and the 57 000 ha Zambezi National Park. These state-protected areas are home to numerous species of fauna and flora, which, through recent times have unfortunately been subject to a dramatic increase in various forms of poaching.
The Victoria Falls Anti Poaching unit is committed to the conservation of its wildlife. The unit was established in January 1999, by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and local safari operator Charles Brightman (see more about about Charles at Discover Safaris).
Today, working in close co-operation with both the Parks and wildlife management authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the unit patrols an area within a four kilometre radius from Victoria falls. "VFAPU's impact has been Dramatic." Whilst its main activity is largely directed at the removal of snares and the apprehension of mammal and wood poachers, a great deal of time is spent educating and reinforcing the benefits of conserving our natural resources.
A critical part of the anti- poaching unit's philosophy has been to recognise that many people have been driven to poaching by economic hardship and that alternative means of subsistence need to identified and encouraged. Thus the unit has been working on job creation and economic development groups to try and rehabilitate poachers rather than taking a purely punitive stance. A total of 15 men work in the Unit, which is managed and operated by Charles Brightman, ably assisted by Lovemore Ncube - senior scout. Successes to date include the recovery of over 22000 wire snares and the arrest of more than 750 poachers. The unit relies solely on private funding from donors and sponsors. It receives no Government funding at all. Tour operators within Victoria Falls contribute as much as they can to protect their heritage. The ultimate goal is to receive international funding so Vic Falls anti-poaching unit can extend its area of operation, but in the short term the unit is extremely short of funds just to keep the basic operation active. Please if you feel like making a donation of any size contact Charles at the address below or contact us and we will assist in getting you in touch with the right people. You can also make quick use of their GoFundMe page.
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Please also read our page on the Friends of Hwange which is a trust formed to save the wildlife in Zimbabwe's largest National Park - Hwange IAPF - International Anti Poaching Fund is also working tirelessly to save our wildlife. Their website details the shocking facts - see how you can help. Wildlife trafficking is a $10 billion dollar a year industry. It is the second biggest threat to wildlife after habitat destruction. You can read more about the horrific consequences here Wildlife Trafficking 101
Last updated: 1 November 2022
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