Above: We’ve had some unusual VIP guests at the Rehab Centre recently
Greetings,
This last month we’ve hosted two very special guests at our High Care Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: an endangered Southern Ground Hornbill, and an African Rock Python – one of Zimbabwe’s most revered and protected species.
Every month, we’re called to action – removing deadly snares, rescuing injured animals, and giving second chances to wildlife in distress. In 2025 alone, we’ve already removed seven wire snares from lions, zebras, elephants, warthogs, and baboons. Last year, we broke records with 53 snare removals. Every wire removed is a life saved – and it’s all thanks to your continued support.
Your donation – whether once off or monthly – ensures we’re ready to respond – whether it’s a call about a snared elephant, an injured raptor – or one of Zimbabwe’s most remarkable snakes.
Rescue & Rehabilitation News
Monty the Python’s Wild Week
Earlier this month, our Human-Wildlife Conflict team was called to a rural farm where an African Rock Python was reportedly killing goats. As a specially protected species in Zimbabwe, the situation called for care and caution.
On arrival, the team found a large, visibly engorged python in the kraal – with a nasty laceration along its side. The snake was safely captured and brought to our rescue centre for monitoring and veterinary assessment. We decided not to interfere with the wound and see if it would heal on its own.
The next day, the python – now named Monty – surprised everyone by regurgitating its last meal, revealing not a goat, but a jackal! Though stress-induced regurgitation is common in snakes, it still caught our team off guard.
As the days passed, it became clear that the wound wasn’t healing and our veterinarians decided that intervention was necessary. By week’s end, Monty underwent surgery under gas anesthesia to clean and treat the injury (below).
Thankfully, Monty recovered quickly and was active by the afternoon. Monty continues to heal well (below right), and we’re hopeful she’ll be released back into the wild soon.
A few weeks ago we responded to an urgent call from ZimParks about a juvenile Ground Hornbill that had been hit by a vehicle. Our team sprang into action – driving south to Hwange to meet up with a team driving north, and bringing the bird in for treatment. With daily care and specialised feeding, this young hornbill is now gaining strength and spirit – becoming more feisty each day!
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A Lasting Gift for Wildlife: Make Your Legacy Count
What will your legacy be? By including Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in your will, you can make a lasting impact on the protection of Southern Africa’s precious wildlife and wild spaces – without it costing you anything during your lifetime.
A bequest is the gift that lives on, ensuring that the region’s wildlife and vital ecosystems are safeguarded for generations to come. Your will is a powerful tool – let your values live on through a bequest to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.
For more information about adding VFWT to your will, or to notify us that you have already included us in your estate plans, please contact Lesley Lichko at lesley@vicfallswildlifetrust.org
