At the Zululand Conservation Trust, every year is measured not just in milestones, but in real impact on the ground. Thanks to continued support from partners, donors, and community members, 2025 proved to be a year of meaningful progress for both wildlife conservation and community development across Zululand.
As we step into 2026, the focus is clear: build on this momentum and scale efforts where they matter most.
A Year of Real Impact in 2025
Protecting Wildlife, Strengthening Ecosystems
2025 saw tangible conservation outcomes, particularly in rhino protection and species management:
- 5 new rhino orphans rescued and brought into care
- 5 rhinos successfully released back into the wild
- 13 rhinos progressed through various stages of rewilding
- 81 rhinos (white and black) dehorned or trimmed as part of anti-poaching efforts
- Increased leopard sightings by 37% in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, indicating a strengthening ecosystem
- 8 arrests contributing to reduced poaching pressure
- Continuous training provided to anti-poaching teams and K9 units
Additional conservation milestones included the relocation and monitoring of species like cheetahs and pangolins, as well as direct interventions such as removing snares from injured wildlife.
Supporting Communities Living Alongside Wildlife
Conservation cannot succeed without strong community partnerships. In 2025, the Trust continued investing in people:
- 4 early learning centres supported, benefiting 160 children
- Nearly 70,000 meals provided annually
- Employment created for teachers, cooks, gardeners, and local staff
- 50 women trained in permaculture, supporting over 300 dependents
- Infrastructure upgrades and garden support across community projects
These initiatives not only improve livelihoods but also build long-term resilience and stewardship for conservation.
Growing Support and Expanding Reach
The impact of 2025 was made possible by growing support:
- Over R10 million raised in donations
- R2.6 million generated through events like the Rhino Ride and Rhino Run
- 27 grant applications submitted and new partnerships formed
- International fundraising efforts expanded into the USA
This growing network of support continues to fuel conservation action on the ground.
2026 Priorities: Scaling What Works
Building on these achievements, 2026 is focused on expanding impact across four key areas:
1. Rhino Orphanage & Species Protection
Sustaining and protecting vulnerable wildlife remains a top priority:
- Rhino orphan feed and care
- Solar energy systems for sustainability
- Enhanced CCTV security
- Improved perimeter fencing for species protection
2. Surveillance & Operational Security
Strengthening anti-poaching and monitoring capacity:
- Quadbikes for rhino monitoring teams
- Expansion of the leopard monitoring project
- Increased use of camera traps and field equipment
3. Community & Livelihood Support
Deepening community impact through:
- Water security projects (boreholes)
- Employment through conservation programmes
- Food security initiatives like Growing Food for Life
- Ongoing support for early learning centres
4. Monitoring & Expansion
Ensuring long-term conservation success:
- Expansion of protected land
- Strengthened wildlife monitoring systems
- Continued investment in education programmes
Looking Ahead
The results of 2025 demonstrate what is possible when conservation and community development work hand in hand. But the need, and opportunity, for impact in 2026 is even greater.
With continued support, the Zululand Conservation Trust can scale these proven initiatives, protect more wildlife, and uplift more communities across Zululand.
Every contribution helps turn plans into action—and action into lasting impact.
Be Part of the Impact
If you’d like to support these efforts and help deliver an even bigger impact in 2026, consider contributing to the Trust’s work.
Together, we can ensure a future where wildlife and communities thrive side by side