Greetings!
It’s been a busy and productive year so far at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust – and we’re not even halfway through! We’re excited to share a few highlights from the past few months, along with some videos that offer a more in-depth look at what happens behind the scenes.
From giving injured animals a second chance, to supporting farmers in protecting their livelihoods, to strengthening frontline capacity through training and scientific advancement in our newly named Carol and Edward Strongin Wildlife Disease and Forensics Laboratory, the stories below reflect a holistic approach to conservation – one that recognises that lasting impact depends on people, partnerships, and the strength of the systems that connect them.
As always, thank you for being part of this journey with us.
For Wild Africa,
Jessica Dawson
Executive Director
High-Care Wildlife Rehab Centre: Second Chances in the Wild
Yellow-billed Kite: Earlier this year, we received a young yellow-billed kite missing a leg. Last month, it had regained enough condition to be released. After about a week, it returned to the rehab on its own, having lost condition. It is currently back in high care to regain its health.
Spotted Eagle Owl: The spotted eagle owl found on the road between Victoria Falls and the Botswana border continues to improve. It is gaining strength, flying more confidently, and feeding more independently. We will continue to monitor its progress with the aim of releasing it soon.
Kudu calf: Last month, we received a new patient in our high-care centre. A young female kudu arrived after it was suspected her mother had been poached, and a local farmer brought her in. The veterinary team immediately placed her on a milk supplement formula, and she continues to grow in strength and size.
Rescue: Desnaring Captured on Camera
Earlier this month, our veterinarian Dr Foggin was called to assist a badly limping male elephant. The elephant, which was in a herd, repeatedly lifted his back right leg, showing signs of pain and discomfort. After an assessment by Dr Foggin, it was decided to immobilise the animal as a wire snare appeared to be embedded in his leg.
Fortunately, the rest of the herd had moved away from the waterhole. After darting, the elephant went down on his sternum, which is dangerous for elephants. The team acted quickly, repositioning him onto his side to relieve weight off his lungs. Dr Foggin then removed a very deeply embedded snare which must have been causing the animal incredible pain. The wound was cleaned, disinfected, treated and the veterinary drugs reversed. The elephant was able to stand and move off. Thank you to the teams at Matetsi Unit 7 and ZimParks for their assistance and we will continue to monitor this case.
Community Livelihoods: Replacement of 12 mobile bomas
Investing in communities is critical for long-term, sustainable conservation. However, this process takes time. Communities must come together, discuss priorities, and agree on a shared path forward.
VFWT works to facilitate engagement with local communities to develop solutions that improve livelihoods. For small-scale farmers, this is often centred around sustainable agriculture models.
In the first quarter of this year, VFWT worked with grazing area committees to strengthen governance and plan livestock grazing strategies. A lumpy skin disease outbreak affected some farmers; however, most farmers using mobile bomas had already vaccinated their animals.
With support from the UK Rotary Club Derby Daybreak, VFWT secured a Rotary Global Grant to replace 12 mobile, predator-proof bomas. This will help farmers protect their livestock, reduce predator losses, and improve livelihoods, while also enhancing soil fertility and crop yields.
Countering Wildlife Crime
Training on Wildlife Diseases, Poisoning, and Crime Scene Investigation – North Luangwa: Recently, our team was invited to provide training to a conservation programme in North Luangwa, Zambia. Working with rangers, investigators, veterinarians, and managers, VFWT, together with Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP), delivered a week-long course.
The training focused on identifying natural diseases in wildlife and distinguishing these from poisoning and poaching. It also covered securing and documenting crime scenes, as well as evidence collection and submission for investigators.
The new Carol and Edward Strongin Wildlife Disease and Forensics Laboratory
As many of you who have been able to visit us will have seen, our laboratory has grown over time. From a single room, it expanded into a small annex, and our team, diagnostic capacity, and equipment have continued to develop.
With support from our partner, TRACE Wildlife Forensics, we redesigned the internal layout to better separate functions. This will assist us as we work towards international wildlife forensics accreditation.
The design still allows visitors to observe our work while maintaining the integrity of laboratory processes. We thank our supporters for making this possible.
Tour our new laboratory >
Welcome to Bernadette
We are delighted to welcome Bernadette Salehi as our new US Philanthropic Advisor. Bernadette will help strengthen connections with our US supporters. She holds a BA from Barnard College and an MA from Case Western Reserve University. She has spent over 20 years leading fundraising strategy and managing advancement teams across conservation, higher education, human services, and the arts. From 2022 to 2026, Bernadette served as US Development Executive for Tusk, the African wildlife conservation charity supported by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Reach out to Bernadette at bernadette@vfwt.org
"Standing in the Rain"
Lastly, we leave you with some inspiring views of Victoria Falls captured recently by our team on the ground. As many of you will know, the Falls have been particularly full, loud, and visually dramatic this year – with towering spray clouds visible from kilometres away and a true “standing in the rain” experience on the Zimbabwean side. Strong rainfall across the Zambezi catchment in 2026 has resulted in above-average flow levels, making for an especially impressive spectacle. Enjoy!
Thank you for reading our news! Remember to follow along on our social media channels for our most recent news from the field.
VICTORIA FALLS WILDLIFE TRUST
PO Box 159, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | +263 782 799 006
PO Box 23183, San Diego, CA 92193 | +1 (216) 570-3403
9 The Clock Tower, Redlers Waterside, Dudbridge Rd., Stroud GL5 3LH, UK
+44 (0)74 76 227 684
www.vfwt.org | info@vicfallswildlifetrust.org
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust | PO Box 23183 | San Diego, CA 92193 US
