Protecting Elephants

In Assam, India, a new mobile app has been launched to help reduce deaths caused by conflict with wild elephants. The app, developed by David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF)’s partners, warns users of approaching elephant herds, allowing them to avoid danger. Assam, home to one of India's largest elephant populations, has seen a significant number of human and elephant fatalities due to shrinking habitats and encroachment on natural corridors. The app also includes a feature for victims to apply for compensation from the government in cases of injury or death. Additionally, a handbook on solar-powered fences to deter elephants has been introduced as part of these conservation efforts. This handbook provides detailed information on the installation, operation, management, and maintenance of these fences. We remain excited about what this app will mean for the future of human-elephant conflict mitigation both in the region and for conservation efforts across Asia as a whole.

On 8 August 2024, our partners at the Game Rangers International (GRI) Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park, celebrated their second anniversary, marking two years of unwavering commitment to conservation education and the preservation of Zambia’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes. This milestone is a testament to the collaborative vision realised through the generous support of DSWF. From its inception, the Wildlife Discovery Centre has rapidly emerged as a beacon of conservation awareness, providing free education to over 2,000 children annually. The Centre also serves as the new home for the renowned Elephant Nursery, previously located in Lilayi. This transformative project, born from the partnership between GRI and DSWF, highlights the importance of education and community engagement in sustaining conservation efforts.

The Wildlife Discovery Centre is founded on three core pillars: to educate, recruit, and engage. The first pillar, 'Educate,' is an ambitious endeavour to engage and educate 250,000 school children in conservation efforts by 2050, thereby embedding a deep respect for nature in future generations. The second pillar, 'Recruit,' focuses on supporting and creating approximately 70 positions that are accessible to local communities, thus providing employment opportunities while fostering a profound connection to conservation. The third pillar, 'Engage,' seeks to enhance tourism to Lusaka National Park and the surrounding areas, thereby bolstering the local economy and promoting environmental stewardship.

On the occasion of the Centre's second anniversary, a heartfelt message of gratitude was shared by Jeni Vanhoucke, GRI Community Outreach Director: "On this day, the second anniversary of the Wildlife Discovery Centre, we wish to thank each and every one of you at DSWF for your incredible support, guidance, and dedication. We have welcomed almost 25,000 people through our doors and delivered immersive educational experiences to over 2,500 children in our Explorertorium to date. None of this would have been possible without you. We are so grateful for this opportunity to bring David’s vision to life and to continue to partner with you to help save wildlife and wild spaces in Zambia. Thank you!"

As we look to the future, our commitment to protecting Zambia’s wildlife and wild spaces remains steadfast. The Wildlife Discovery Centre is more than just a physical space; it represents a movement, a community, and a vision for a future where nature thrives.

As always, thank you for your generous support in providing a more sustainable future for the elephants of Zambia, and the communities that live alongside them.

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