Impact Report 2022
EMPOWERING RANGERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO CONSERVE NATURE



EMPOWERING RANGERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO CONSERVE NATURE
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Home of the Wildlife Discovery Centre and Elephant Nursery
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MUSA CAMP
GRI’s Kafue Field Headquarters and home to Special Anti-Poaching Unit (SAPU)
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Kafue Release Facility
The Elephant Release Facility
4 JANEIRO CAMP
Rufunsa Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), in partnership with Conservation Lower Zambezi
5 Hook Bridge Camp
SAPU North
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Mweengwa Camp
Mweengwa APU
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Shanangoma Camp
Nkala APU
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Mujimanzovu Camp
Mujimanzovu APU
2022 was a landmark year for GRI with the opening of the Wildlife Discovery Centre (WDC) in Lusaka National Park This centre is the product of a shared vision for the future of conservation in Zambia; bringing the best of government, private enterprise and conservation organisations together. Thank you to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and International Fund for Animal Welfare for making it all possible
The WDC provides a new and improved home to orphaned elephants on their journey back to the wild and creates a centre for conservation education in Zambia The WDC allows us to invest in the future decision makers and conservation leaders of Zambia, giving them the knowledge and tools to create lasting change.
In 2022, we also opened a new Anti-Poaching Unit in the Lunga Luswishi Game Management Area (GMA), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, as part of our long-term commitment to the communities that surround Kafue National Park This brings the number of front-line Rangers empowered by GRI to over 160, protecting 23 million hectares across Zambia.
Thanks to our supporters from Jackson Hole, USA, GRI was able to hire a Community Outreach Ranger for the Rufunsa GMA Helping show the communities how to live and work side by side with wildlife in a safe and sustainable way
I am most proud of the work we have done this year on Ranger welfare GRI was devastated by the death of one of our supported Rangers, who was killed by poachers whilst on patrol. While we can never repay his family for their loss and for his sacrifice, thanks to the support from the Thin Green Line and Game Rangers Association of Africa, we were able to provide for them and their futures His death is a constant reminder of the risks that Rangers take every day to protect Zambia’s wildlife and wild spaces.
Finally, I want to thank all our supporters, big and small, you all make a difference to the Rangers we support and communities we serve
STOP WILDLIFE CRIME, SECURE WILD SPACES, SAVE WILDLIFE
During 2022 GRI provided operational support to more than 160 Rangers across 12 teams in 7 separate locations Operational support included:
The continued provision of much needed kit & equipment to ensure the Rangers can work efficiently, effectively and safely In 2022, all Rangers were provided with new sleeping bags, roll mats, plates, glasses, cutlery and gumboots with the aim of improving patrol conditions.
Dry and fresh rations for Rangers on patrol and while in camp, with over 115,000 meals provided in 2022
GRI supported rangers were empowered to help protect over 56,000 Km2, equivalent to 7% of Zambia.
Vehicle and boat repair & maintenance, totalling $26,000.
Communication support – provision of airtime, satellite devices and radios
Operational planning support - analysis of patrol data and support for intelligence led operations
Aerial support – ‘eyes in the sky’ patrol support, identifying possible poachers’ camps and other illegal activity
The SIU and SAPU continued to see great results, undertaking a number of intelligence-led operations. By following intelligence, these units aim to both prevent poaching before it happens, removing illegal weapons from the system, and to catch those involved in the illegal wildlife trade
If these animals are not taken care of and left to these selfish men who shoot them for money, for sure, in generations to come we’ll have no animals
In October 2022, GRI was proud to announce that our very own Mr Neddy Mulimo was awarded the prestigious 2022 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. The award recognised the commitment and dedication of Mr Mulimo to conservation, having spent 36 years of his life working to protect African wildlife In November, Mr Mulimo attended the award ceremony in London, and was presented with his award by the Duke of Cambridge
Mr Mulimo has worked with GRI since 2012, and was fundamental in the setup of Special Anti Poaching Units (SAPU) He continues to play a key role within GRI, providing leadership, counsel, and oversight to GRI supported Rangers. GRI is honoured that one of our team has been recognised in such a way and can promote the hard work of wildlife Rangers across Africa.
Fire Management training for Mujimanzovu APU
GRI also continued to focus on Ranger training in 2022:
Fire Management training provided to Mujimanzovu APU, in order to help reduce wildfire as a way of managing wildlife habitat;
A selection of Rangers attended Tactical Questioning Training, run by the British Army, focusing on post-apprehension questioning of suspects
Rangers from SAPU North attended first aid training, run by the British Army
The GRI pilot trained with an experienced bush pilot on the detection of poachers’ camps, and signs of poaching
Selected Rangers attended a month long advanced first aid training course, at Chunga Training School
Rangers from SAPU and the Nkala APU attended Helicopter Deployment Training, run by African Parks
3 Rangers were supported with their university studies
30 Scouts were recruited to undertake Ranger training in 2023, with the aim of setting up support for a new unit in Ngabwe (Lower Lunga in the Lunga Luswishi GMA)
Throughout September a GRI supported team of 4 Rangers competed in the World Ranger Challenge The challenge consisted of multiple events both physical and theory based and culminated in a 21km run while carrying 22kg per team member. Ranger teams from across the globe competed in the event to raise awareness and funding for Rangers working in conservation
MIKE MUSONDA - North Luangwa, Died 11th March 2022 Mike was part of the Nsumbu National Park Family. He gave everything he had to his job and his life. An avid runner, he represented Nsumbu in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge to raise funds for Rangers across the world He made the ultimate sacrifice to wildlife when he was tragically killed by an elephant while on patrol
DANIEL MUNSAKA – Mweengwa, Daniel was stationed at Mweengwa after his graduation from Chunga Wildlife Training School in 2019 Daniel and his unit were on a routine patrol when they encountered a suspected poacher. During the attempted apprehension, Daniel received serious stab wounds and a traumatic head injury
Despite being evacuated to hospital for treatment, Daniel succumbed to his injuries on 24th April 2022. He is survived by his wife and child and remembered for his bravery.
HAPPY KASONDE – Nalusanga
Happy trained as a Wildlife Police Officer in 2018 and obtained a certificate in Wildlife Management at Chunga Wildlife College. Upon completion of his training, he was offered employment with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, based at Nalusanga. On 8th July, 2022 he was escorting a school party on a game drive in Kafue National Park When they encountered a herd of elephants, a female charged towards them Happy attempted to resist the charge with two warning shots but the elephant got hold of him and killed him. Happy leaves behind a legacy of dedication and great sacrifice whilst protecting others
STANLEY N'GANDWE - Kabwe
Stanley was a Wildlife Police Officer, based in Kabwe. He was on patrol with colleague Jonathan Katengulwa in March 2020. Their Land Cruiser was suddenly ambushed by poachers which resulted in the instant death of Mr Katengulwa and the hospitalisation of Stanley He had several pellets removed from his body, but there were pellets that could not be removed which rested in sensitive organs Over time, the lead poisoned his system and his condition deteriorated. He died on 22nd November 2022, leaving behind a family.
The Rt Hon. Rodney Sikumba placing a wreath at the monument for fallen Rangers, Lusaka National ParkIn 2022, GRI continued to support Ranger welfare:
Life insurance purchased for all Rangers
Medical support provided to Rangers including diagnostic appointments and purchase of medicines required
Transport provided for Rangers to travel to Lusaka for diagnosis
Medivac of Ranger following snake bite
Bereavement and funeral support for Rangers following the death of family members
Medical support provided to Rangers’ children following injury
Trauma counselling
Individual tourniquets provided, and Rangers trained in their use. Tourniquets buy time for first aid first responders to reach Rangers in the field and to treat what would otherwise be life-threatening injuries
GRI continued to support the health and welfare of the Rangers and their families during 2022. Life insurance was purchased for all Rangers, and support was also provided in the event of lifethreatening injuries, such as snake bites or gunshot wounds Throughout the year, whenever local care and testing was insufficient, Rangers were transported to Lusaka for diagnosis and treatment with GRI continuing to support their treatment and recovery following their visit.
GRI also continued to support Ranger families with their welfare, including support for diagnoses and prescription medicines and funeral and bereavement support for Rangers following the death of family members
In Musa Camp and Camp Phoenix at Kafue Release Facility, upgrades to the facilities are being made to improve the living and working conditions for our teams.
The loss of Community Scout Daniel Munsaka in 2022, killed by a poacher,
to remind us of the incredibly ous nature of the job of a e Ranger These brave men and n face the ultimate sacrifice on a asis so that our world’s wildlife d spaces can be saved. They are frontline of the global fight t the loss of our planet’s rsity – gratitude for their e is not enough.
Human-Wildlife Conflicts rank among the major threats to the survival of many wildlife species in Zambia, as well as the security and well-being of local communities We reduce both incidences - and the impact - of Human-Wildlife Conflicts in the communities bordering Nkala and Rufunsa GMAs, particularly those involving elephants, crocodiles, hippos and large carnivores
We take a holistic, three-phased approach to managing conflict, aiming to prevent, respond and repair. This year, we reduced conflict by empowering subsistence farmers living in hotspot areas with increased awareness through radio and print campaigns, alternative livelihoods, effective wildlife-safe deterrents and durable fortification for crops and livestock Our research team trialled a new mitigation method – a potent ‘smelly elephant repellent’ and assessed the viability of sunflowers as an alternative crop to maize. Ranger units provided rapid response capability, driving wildlife away from farmland and back into the protected area
Our Human-Wildlife Coexistence Ranger followed up on 92 incidences, taking time to collect data, connect with those affected and offer compassion. This is crucial to informing management decisions and strategy, as well as placating feelings of fear and frustration. For those households most severely affected by Human-Wildlife Conflict, we have offered welfare support and funeral assistance
HWC Research Assistant, Constance Banda brewing ‘smelly elephant repellent’ - a highly potent liquid this is hung from fence lines to safely deter elephants.
Cattle in Musungwa Chiefdom have been stamped with eye paint to deter large carnivores who rely on the element o surprise to hunt.
Mobile, zero-visibility kraals provide effective protection to livestock at night, when there i a greater risk of predation by lions and othe carnivores.
In addition to providing 150 households with access to clean water and reducing waterborne diseases, the Batunga Community Borehole reduces the risk of
2022 has been a huge year for the Elephant Orphanage as we constructed a brand-new Elephant Nursery in the heart of Lusaka National Park (LNP) and relocated from Lilayi, which had been home for elephant orphans for 11 years The move to LNP in July was perfect timing as Lusaka city has expanded closer to Lilayi Game Park and exposed the orphans to increasingly higher levels of noise pollution and humanisation. LNP is 5,000Ha of protected Parkland and the new Nursery is located in the centre of the Park, ensuring the elephants are in the ‘wildest’ environment possible This incredible new facility was made possible with thanks to our generous partners, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Sinking Ship Entertainment.
Two young elephants were rescued into the herd this year, both the tragic victims of human-elephant conflict. Despite their harrowing start, the nurture, routine and specialised formula provided by their Keepers ensures they have settled well amongst the Nursery Herd, who were relocated from Lilayi and who took to their new environment in LNP with ease, quickly establishing walking trails and their new favourite waterhole, Giraffe Pond.
ABOVE: Mbila, the mini-matriarch of the Nursery Herd, spends a lot of time close to youngest orphan Chikumbi to reassure and mother her (image by Linda Rorbye) ABOVE: The new Elephan they are warmer at night, increased safety access fo ABOVE: The herd delight (Image by Linda Rorbye)57
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We are excited to be now working in Lusaka National Park!
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Here it is easier for the elephants to reach leaves, as the trees are young, and browse is plentiful. We also enjoy being in the peace and nature, which is so important to our baby elephants who will one day be wild.
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CHAMILANDUSTEPSBACKINTOTHEWILDWHERESHEBELONGS
After spending 2½ years returning to the boma every evening with her calf Mutaanzi, Chamilandu, the Release Herd Matriarch has finally returned to the wild Just shortly after her satellite collar had been replaced, she stopped coming back to the boma and instead joined released orphan Tafika to roam throughout the night Mutaanzi was still small and vulnerable to predators, however with Tafika’s support Chamilandu has been able to keep him safe Shewaslikelymotivatedtomoveontoensureshehadagreaterrangeoffood sources and we noticed an increase in condition with her newfound freedom Happily, it was only a few months later that Mosi and Rufunsa also decided to join her and the five elephants have remained close to one another ever since, visiting the other orphans on occasion during their daily walks in Kafue NationalPark
The Release camp has stood the test of time and supported elephant rehabilitation operations for over 14 years However, its temporary structures were starting to crumble and with a dramatic flood in January there was desperate need for renovations With thanks to the incredible support of our special partners, Olsen Animal Trust, Friends of the Elephants, Elephant Cooperation and ProWildlife, these developments began in the second half of the year starting with new accommodation for the team as the priority build
When their overnight boma flooded at the start of the year the Release Herd were dramatically evacuated as they swam to a new boma that was under construction on the other side of the Nkala River on higher ground The new boma, funded with huge thanks to David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, enablesseasonalpaddockrotationtorestthelandandvegetation,andonthis occasionprovidedanessentialrespitefromthedangerouslyhighwaters
2022 has seen an exciting expansion of research activities through technical partnerships, and in particular, Indiana University, have enabled us to really gain a better understanding of the wild elephants of Kafue National Park as we implemented 10 satellite collars for monitoring Behavioural observations and hormone samples (through dung) will be collected for these elephants who are matched for age and sex against orphans, over the next five years to help us understand the impact of trauma on elephant development and condition, which contributes to our greater understanding of the orphan’s ability to recover and ultimate release success. In addition, we have continued to trial Smelly Elephant Repellent with WildAid as a potential human-elephant conflict mitigation tool and expanded our behavioural research into focused ‘Visitor Impact Study’ and ‘Boma Space Use’ that will inform management decisions to further minimise human impact on these elephants destined for release into the wild
document their lives throughout their journey back into the wild. At each step our knowledge of the orphans provides insights into elephant biology and behaviour which can be utilised to further support wild populations and expanded into more holistic conservation strategies
Research is essential in determining release success for these orphans and we aim to investigate, monitor and
3 YOUTH FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS FACILITATED
2000 ENROLLED IN WEEKLY CONSERVATION CLUBS
We believe that we cannot protect wildlife, without protecting the people tasked with preserving it GRI empowers Ranger communities, and those living alongside protected areas, with improved livelihood security Our Community Outreach Rangers are directly employed from the communities in which they serve and have nurtured strong and representative local stakeholder networks who are constantly consulted to ensure that all interventions are appropriate and needed Ongoing initiatives to support communities with tangible benefits from conservation efforts include improving access to clean water, healthcare and education, and engaging at-risk youth through sports. Our key focus, however, remains on empowering vulnerable women Through the provision of capacity building, peer-support networks and essential equipment, we supported 133 women across three landscapes to initiate sustainable income generation projects in 2022, successfully reducing their reliance on the illegal wildlife trade.
3 BENEFICIARIES RECEIVED NEW WHEELCHAIRS
20 DESKS DONATED TO NEW NGOMA SCHOOL
The Mwabonwa Women’s Group Bakery in Basanga (Image by Cat Vinton) ITT United win the Itezhi-Tezhi Kafue Youth Football TournamentGRI improves access to conservation information and encourages local communities to explore the aesthetic, economic and ecological benefits o wildlife. Conservation awareness is delivered via multiple channels to optimise impact and reach This year, we launched our established community radio programme, Conservation Conversations on 1015 Adroit Radio It is now broadcast weekly, from Itezhi-Tezhi and Luangwa, reaching over 80,000 listeners. Sport has also become a valuable platform for us to disseminate information to large audiences; over 9,000 people gathered to support the Kafue Youth Tournaments in August
In 2022, through the provision of training, resource and ongoing mento i t b ilt th capacity of 100 te conservation clubs. M in areas highly affect resulting in very neg Others are located in u have never encoun Conservation Clubs a generation of decision incredible wildlife and environment.
We were delighted t Zambia across all thre celebrate Internationa our Conservation Club further collaborations
Luangwa, FieraI am privileged to have this job as a Community Outreach Ranger, I meet different people with different characteristics There is no greater joy than seeing people change their lives with survival skills through our empowerment programs.VICTOR WOTALA Community
Outreach Ranger
GRI’s Community Outreach work provides awareness to the local communities.New Ngoma School Conservation Club
OPENED 8TH AUGUST 2022
In the early 1970s, His Excellency President Kenneth Kaunda was watching elephants in the Luangwa Valley with his good friend, David Shepherd He turned to David and said, "We must have places like this and witness such wonders to truly sort out our priorities"
In honour of His Excellency, Kenneth Kaunda and David Shepherd, the GRI - Wildlife Discovery Centre was created.
Visitors enter through a spacious Welcome Hub, which houses informative displays about the park including live updates of wildlife sightings, as well as The Collective, a stunning gift shop showcasing the finest of Zambia’s artisans Three interactive Conservation Huts have been individually curated by locally based conservation partners, to provide an indepth look into their efforts to protect Zambia’s wild spaces, with a current focus on vulture preservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation Our Explorertorium is bursting with easy-to-read information boards, fun interactivities and discovery tables filled with skulls, feathers, pods and quills. The content celebrates nature’s diversity, examining animal adaptations, relationships and behaviour Visitors also have the unique opportunity to view the orphaned elephants from our raised viewing hide in the heart of the Park.
The Centre was officially opened by the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba on the 8th of August, and attended by special guests including the British High Commissioner and officials from the Departments of National Parks and Wildlife. The two families of the late conservation giants, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and David Shepherd were also present on the day, and planted two fig trees to represent the fifty-year friendship that transcended international boundaries and played a key part in ensuring that we are still able to see wildlife - especially elephants - in their natural habitats today
We hope the Wildlife Discovery Centre will inspire and engage a wide range of visitors to the magic of Zambia’s wildlife whilst demonstrating, very visually, the harsh conservation realities faced through the presence of the elephant orphans in our care.
Since the opening of The Wildlife Discovery Centre, the facility has been successful in raising
awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of biodiversity preservation to both local and international visitors. The Centre has also provided a unique opportunity for members of the younger generation who attend our Discovery Days to become stewards of a sustainable ecological environment
EMMA MWEENE WDC Hospitality Manager The new Elephant Viewing Hide in the heart of Lusaka National Park (Image by Linda Rorbye)In 2022, 293 children and 35 teachers from 18 schools participated in an immersive Discovery Day at the Wildlife Discovery Centre All sponsored students were collected from their respective schools in the early morning and accompanied on their song-filled bus journeys to Lusaka National Park by our Education Ranger. Once settled at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, the students learnt about Zambia’s spectacular wildlife and unique habitats, the delicate balance of ecosystems and key conservation threats As the Discovery Centre is an entirely desk-free zone, all learning is through explorative play, Q&As with real conservationists and engaging interactive activities. After enjoying a hot, nutritious lunch, the students set off on a guided nature walk where they discovered different plant and animal species, searched for scat and spoor, and took in the incredible biodiversity around them Of course, for most, the highlight of the day was observing the elephant orphans from the Viewing Hide – reaffirming the plight of Zambia’s wildlife
18 SCHOOLS HAVE ENJOYED A DISCOVERY DAY AT THE WDC
SCIENCE DIRECT
NOVEMBER 2022
Can stress and anxiety be assessed in African Elephants using self-directed behaviour? by Lisa Olivier
BBC SOUNDS
OCTOBER 2022
Zambian Rangers receives prestigious award
COUNTRY & TOWNHOUSE
OCTOBER 2022
Tusk's Ranger of the year: Q&A with Neddy Mulimo
GEOGRAPHICAL MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2022
The Ranger working to improve conservation’s most dangerous job
THE TELEGRAPH
OCTOBER 2022
Meet the 66 year old Ranger still battling poachers in Zambia
MONGABAY
NOVEMBER 2022
Support Rangers to protect wildlife & habitats for the future
NNN & ZAWYA
SEPTEMBER 2022
African Conservation Awards announces winners at African Ranger Congress (Britius Munkombwe - 1st runner up)
24,949
28,238
2,199 717
ZAMBIA NATIONAL INFORMATION SERVICE
DECEMBER 2022
Interview on Human Wildlife Conflict
In 2022, GRI had 39,414 visitors to our website versus 22,353 visitors in 2021 Our blog posts were read 4,139 times over the course of the year. GRI is proud to have continued to release stories and content to engage our audiences
GRI generated over $3.6m in 2022 to support our conservation work, this was generated through grants and fundraising, supported by our UK office. This was an increase of 32% from 2021, allowing GRI to empower more Rangers and support more communities on the front line of conservation
GRI is proud to keep our overheads below 10%, directing more of your donations to support our frontline conservation work
2022 INCOMES
2022 EXPENSES
2022 PERFORMANCE VERSUS 2021
WILDLIFE RESCUE PROGRAMME PARTNERS
RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAMME PARTNERS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERS
WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Claudette Gregg & Kenneth Marks, Guadalupe Alvarez, Chris Stevens, Amanda & Barry Butler, Donald & Marie Fulton, Kathrin Hamilton, Nirav Solanki and Linda Rorbye Photography.