Birth of a Wildlife Refuge (8-min Video)

The Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe is one of the country’s most well-known wildlife conservation areas, a vast refuge that today supports a diverse range of species, including some of Africa’s most endangered animals.

This 8-minute short documentary takes viewers through the trials and tribulations of establishing the sanctuary, from the early days of planning and land management to the significant challenges faced along the way. It reveals the collaborative effort between landowners, conservationists, and local communities to transform a patchwork of cattle ranches into a thriving wildlife haven.

The film highlights obstacles such as poaching threats, funding shortages, and human-wildlife conflict, while also showcasing the successes, reintroductions of key species, habitat restoration, and the development of a sustainable conservation model.

Today, the Save Valley Conservancy stands as a model for private conservation in Africa, demonstrating that with persistence, cooperation, and the right management approach, degraded land can be restored into a refuge that benefits both wildlife and local communities.