Conservation Education

The 8th August was a momentous day for David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) and our long-standing partners Game Rangers International (GRI) as we attended the opening ceremony of the new Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park, Zambia.  

Born from a lasting wish of our founder, David Shepherd CBE, to bring environmental educational and awareness to the people, children and communities of Zambia, this world-class Centre is a blueprint for immersive, interactive and first-class conservation education. 

Located in the heart of Lusaka National Park, the Wildlife Discovery Centre will be within easy reach to many who would otherwise not have access to Zambia’s natural wilderness areas. We aim to host 250,000 children at the Wildlife Discovery Centre by 2050. The first of its kind in Lusaka, this facility will inspire visitors of all ages to protect their natural heritage and foster a deeper love, respect and understanding for the wild.

Visitors will enjoy an immersive learning experience as they’re introduced to a variety of wildlife species and conservation topics through vibrant talking walls, multi-sensory exhibits and thought-provoking interactivities in our vast Explorertorium. In the three more intimate Conservation Huts, visitors will meet some of the individuals and organisations working to protect Zambia’s wild spaces and will learn how to get involved. 

The construction of the centre coincides with the relocation of our Elephant Nursery, of which David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is a founding and ongoing partner. Nestled deep within the park, the Nursery will complement and enhance the interactive educational content on offer at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, providing visitors with the opportunity to safely and respectfully observe the orphaned elephants during the early stages of their journey back to the wild.

Together, these initiatives will create a truly memorable experience, enabling visitors to enjoy and connect with nature, to discover the threats facing wild spaces, and explore how they can participate in the protection and conservation of wildlife.

It was our founder, David Shepherd’s, long-lasting friendship with Zambia’s First President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and their deep love of wildlife that inspired this exciting new education hub and a planting of trees took place in their honour at the opening ceremony where both families were invited to bless the saplings. 

“To be here in person to honour my grandfather’s legacy and our friendship with GRI, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the people of Zambia was an inspiring, moving and emotional day. What the team on the ground here have built, thanks to the generosity of DSWF’s amazing supporters since his passing in 2017, is truly breath-taking. Aesthetically, the centre is stunning with its vibrant murals, colourful visuals and weaving conservation narrative which take you on a journey of discovery, but more than that it tells a story of why nature, wildlife and the wilderness must be protected at all costs. It’s a homage to the wild.”  – Georgina Lamb, Chief Executive at DSWF

Our ethos for delivering environmental education has always been about creating positive associations with nature through fun and engaging experiences. We know that children will remember facts and figures from a chalkboard for a few months but, if they have learnt through play and exploration, we believe they will carry the wonder of wildlife with them their whole lives.

Education has always been, and will continue to be, a guiding principle in DSWF’s environmental work. Thank you for all your support.

Watch the video of the opening ceremony here.