Celebrating Two Years of the Wildlife Discovery Centre: A Journey of Conservation and Education

On August 8, 2024, the GRI Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park celebrated its second anniversary. This milestone marks two years of dedicated efforts toward conservation education and the protection of Zambia’s rich wildlife and natural landscapes.

A Vision Realised with Support from David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

In 2022, Game Rangers International (GRI), with the generous funding and support of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), proudly opened the Wildlife Discovery Centre. This unique and immersive facility was established as part of a shared commitment to preserving Zambia’s natural heritage and fostering a culture of conservation.

The Centre has quickly become a beacon of conservation awareness, offering free education to over 2,000 children annually. It also serves as the new home of the renowned Elephant Nursery, which was previously located in Lilayi. The collaboration between GRI and DSWF has made this transformative project possible, ensuring that conservation efforts are supported by a strong foundation of education and community engagement.

Visitors from around the world are welcomed to explore interactive displays and exhibits that highlight critical conservation issues and the ongoing efforts to address them. The Centre is fully accessible, ensuring that everyone, from local communities to international tourists, can engage with the wonders of Zambia’s natural heritage.

The Mission

The Wildlife Discovery Centre is built upon three foundational pillars:

• EDUCATE: Aiming to engage and educate 250,000 school children in conservation efforts by 2050.
• RECRUIT: Support and create approximately 70 positions that are accessible to local communities, providing employment opportunities while fostering a deeper connection to conservation.
• ENGAGE: Striving to boost tourism to Lusaka National Park and the surrounding areas, thereby supporting the local economy and promoting environmental stewardship.

A Message of Gratitude

“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!”

– Jeni Vanhoucke, GRI Community Outreach Director

As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of protecting Zambia’s wildlife and wild spaces. The Wildlife Discovery Centre is not just a place; it is a movement, a community, and a vision for a future where nature thrives. We invite you to continue this journey with us, as we work together to create a lasting impact on the world around us.

Celebrating 2 years of GRI’s Wildlife Discovery Center