The Sunday News
Phineas Chauke
SITUATED on the eastern outskirts of the City of Bulawayo, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage is a haven for wild animals with jeopardised chances of survival in the wild.
Mammals, birds and reptiles which have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity or brought up unsuccessfully as pets all find refuge, love and care at Chipangali.
Some animals that find their way to the centre are confiscated from those that hold or own them in violation of the wildlife laws of the country. The Wildlife Orphanage was established in 1973 as the brainchild of the legendary Vivian Wilson and his wife Paddy (both late).
The couple had dedicated their lives to conservation and wildlife research with Viv having served as a ranger, tsetse fly control expert, and director of the Natural History Museum among other responsibilities.
By the time of his death, Viv had played a leading role in several unique projects, such as a 10-year survey of the duikers of Africa which culminated in the 800-page publication titled The Duikers for Africa, Masters of the African Floor.
“Chipangali” is a ChiNyanja word that means “open friendly country”. ChiNyanja language is spoken in eastern Zambia, where Viv spent years doing conservation work under the Zambian government.
It was during this Zambian stint that the idea of the wildlife orphanage was conceived. The centre consists of a private game park and several animal enclosures. Chipangali is set over 150 acres of land on the fringes of the City of Kings.
The game park is where successfully rehabilitated animals are temporarily released for monitoring of their adaptability to the wild before full-blown permanent release into the ultimate wild.
The centre provides a unique opportunity for visitors to view animals in their enclosures and get narratives of the history of every individual animal from the staff. The experts also explain animal behaviours that the visitors observe. Visitors to Chipangali can see over 150 animals including mammals, reptiles and birds kept in the animal orphanage.
The mammals that visitors can expect to see at Chipangali include lion, leopard, chacma baboon, bushpig, vervet monkey, samango monkey, bush baby, spotted hyena, brown hyena and some antelope species such as kudu, common duiker and steen buck among others.
Reptiles include the Nile crocodile (including a 90-year-old one), African rock monitor, leopard tortoise and snake species such as gaboon viper, puff adder, green mamba, Egyptian cobra and African rock python.
The birds section is intriguing with a variety of raptors including the powerful bateleur eagle, the handsome gymnogene, a number of owls, among others.
Chipangali serves as a tourist attraction, educational centre, animal rehabilitation centre as well as a world-acclaimed scientific research centre with a broad spectrum of research being undertaken there.
It is a good place to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature. There is even a braai facility at the centre and the business unit on site offers refreshments. Souvenirs are also available at the centre to remind you of the visit.
The orphanage is currently under the management of Viv’s son Kevin and his wife Nicky who are perpetuating the legacy of their late parents.
They work with a number of permanent staff members and volunteers. Chipangali is open every day of the week including Sundays and public holidays.
– Phineas Chauke is a Bulawayo-based tourism consultant, marketer and tour guide. He can be contacted on +2637776058523 or [email protected]
