The Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT) is dedicated to preserving wildlife and uplifting communities in Zululand, South Africa. Through various conservation initiatives and community support programs, ZCT plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species while fostering sustainable development for the people living near protected areas.
Zululand Rhino Orphanage
One of ZCT’s flagship initiatives is the Zululand Rhino Orphanage, which provides a safe haven for rhino calves that have lost their mothers to poaching or natural circumstances. The orphanage offers specialised care, rehabilitation, and eventual rewilding, giving these vulnerable animals a second chance at life in the wild.
Pangolin Conservation Program
ZCT plays a vital role in the release and post-release monitoring of pangolins that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. These highly trafficked mammals require intensive care before being reintroduced into the wild, and ZCT ensures they are monitored and supported throughout their transition back into their natural habitat.
Rhino Protection Initiatives
Protecting rhinos from poaching remains a core focus of ZCT. The trust provides essential support to rangers and K9 units, enhancing anti-poaching efforts with highly trained dogs capable of tracking poachers and detecting illegal wildlife products. Additionally, rhino horn trimming is conducted as a proactive measure to deter poachers, and security is further strengthened with the funding of camera traps for enhanced surveillance.
Leopard Monitoring Project
Leopards are elusive and often vulnerable due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. ZCT actively supports a leopard monitoring project, using camera traps and expert trackers to gather vital data on population dynamics, behavior, and threats to ensure better conservation strategies for these magnificent big cats.
Community Support Programs
Conservation is deeply intertwined with the well-being of local communities. ZCT believes in fostering positive relationships between people and protected areas through meaningful support initiatives:
- Food Parcel Distribution: Addressing food insecurity by providing essential food supplies to families in need.
- Early Learning Centres: Building and supporting educational facilities to provide children with access to quality early childhood education.
- Employment Opportunities: Creating jobs on the reserves for community members, offering sustainable livelihoods.
- Food Security Through Permaculture: Training and setting up permaculture gardens, empowering communities to grow their own food and become self-sufficient.
How You Can Support ZCT
If you want to make a difference, join us at one of our fundraising events:
- Rhino Run – A thrilling trail run through the African bush to raise funds for rhino conservation.
- Rhino Ride – A challenging yet rewarding cycling event in support of wildlife protection.
- US Fundraisers (May 2025) – Be part of our international fundraising efforts and contribute to conservation from abroad. Get in touch with us!
You can also volunteer and participate in our conservation activities, or donate via our website to help us continue our vital work.
Together, we can protect Zululand’s incredible wildlife and support the communities that call this land home. Join us today!