Antelope Park Lion Breeding & Rehabilitation Extra Information

Lions… 250,000 lions used to roam the African continent – latest estimates are that only between 12,000 and 15,000 remain. The end objective of the Antelope Park Lion breeding and rehabilitation programme is to re-introduce lions into the wild. This project is a World First, has been officially endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is supported by some of the world’s leading ecologists in this field.

Spending time with the lions in the wild each day is an essential part of the cub’s upbringing. If the cubs are to be released into the wild it is important that they spend time out in a natural environment. They need to adapt to it, learn from it, understand, observe, feel and smell the wild.

Since the start of this intensive programme, we have noted a marked increase in the Lions’ awareness of their natural surroundings, as well as an improvement in their hunting skills. The larger cubs are now able to take down smaller game species whilst out on walks, and these abilities are being enhanced each day whilst under the supervision of volunteers. These are invaluable discoveries, which have earned us further support for our world first endeavours.

Elephants… You will also have the opportunity to spend time with our orphaned African Elephants and their trainers. The elephants at Antelope Park were saved from certain death during a severe drought that ravaged Zimbabwe’s South Eastern Lowveld in 1991 and 1992. The elephants play an important role in the Antelope Park’s activities schedule. You may be asked to assist in the daily duties with the elephants.

Free roaming wildlife…The few remaining areas of wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe are extremely precious and must at all costs be protected. Part of your project will involve assistance with the wildlife management scheme such as finding and removing snares (‘snare sweeps’) within the game park and checking for holes or fence cuttings on the boundary fence (‘Boundary Patrols’) and repairing them. These activities are usually conducted on foot, horseback or elephant-back.

You may also be asked to assist in any other duties at the game park such as: Cutting and collecting firewood; daily schooling and exercising of horses; basic repairs and maintenance; assisting the Antelope Park Guides in their duties; any other wildlife or camp related activities.