By Wallace Mawire
As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen efforts to balance wildlife conservation with rural development, a pioneering digital platform is helping communities access the knowledge they need to safely coexist with wildlife.
The Wildlife Info Line, launched in September 2024 by Wild Africa in partnership with Save the Elephants and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), is providing communities living in wildlife-rich areas with free access to practical information on preventing and managing human-wildlife conflict.
Accessible through WhatsApp, the platform provides guidance on personal safety, livestock protection, crop protection and wildlife behaviour, enabling communities to make informed decisions when interacting with animals such as elephants, lions and other species.
The initiative draws on years of scientific research and field experience. Information on elephants is sourced from the extensive work of Save the Elephants across Africa, while content relating to other species has been developed with input from conservation experts and organisations including Wildlife Conservation Action.
“This new WhatsApp tool designed by Wild Africa is helping people to access clear advice and learn about practical tools to improve coexistence with elephants,” said Dr Lucy King, Coexistence Director for Save the Elephants. “We’re delighted that our Coexistence Toolbox manual is providing the foundational resource that can now be accessed for free through the Wildlife Info Line to anyone who needs the support.”
Recognising the importance of accessibility, the platform was initially launched in English before expanding to include a Ndebele version in November 2025, allowing more communities to access critical information in their preferred language.
The Wildlife Info Line has since been introduced in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Siakobvu in Kariba District. To support implementation in remote areas, Wild Africa has equipped local partners with Starlink internet kits, helping bridge connectivity gaps and ensuring that communities can benefit from digital conservation tools.
For many community organisations working on the frontlines of human-wildlife conflict, the platform is proving to be a valuable resource.
“The reality is that communities are constantly adapting to changing wildlife behaviour and emerging challenges,” said Ndlelende Ncube, Director of Tikobane Trust in Dete. “Having access to reliable information in real time means that people can make better decisions, learn new mitigation methods and improve their safety while protecting their livelihoods.”
In Victoria Falls, conservation practitioners say the platform is helping create a culture of learning and knowledge-sharing among communities.
“The Wildlife Info Line is helping to put practical conservation knowledge directly into the hands of ordinary people,” said Malvern Karidozo of Connected Conservation. “When communities understand why wildlife behaves the way it does, they are better positioned to respond appropriately and reduce unnecessary conflict.”
The programme has also strengthened conservation outreach efforts in Kariba District.
“Access to information is critical for communities that live alongside wildlife every day,” said Joan Banda, Research and Conservation Leadership Program Officer at Wildlife Conservation Action. “The platform helps translate research and conservation expertise into practical guidance that communities can use to protect their crops, livestock and families.”
Beyond the technology itself, Wild Africa has employed its expertise in conservation communications to ensure widespread awareness of the service. The organisation has developed a series of public service announcements promoting the Wildlife Info Line through influential Zimbabwean personalities drawn from sport, media, music and entertainment.
Among those supporting the campaign are Sables captain Hilton Mudariki, broadcaster Zandile “Zaza” Ndlovu, radio personalities MsRed and Butterphly, musicians Sandra Ndebele, Mzoe 7 and Voltz JT, and socialite Tariro Gezi.
Wild Africa Country Manager Farai Chapoterera said the initiative demonstrates the role that technology and communication can play in supporting conservation outcomes.
“The Wildlife Info Line represents a simple but powerful idea — making expert knowledge accessible to the people who need it most,” he said. “Communities living alongside wildlife possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge and experience. By combining that knowledge with scientific research and practical conservation tools, we can strengthen coexistence and reduce conflict.”
Chapoterera said the platform reflects a growing recognition that successful conservation depends on supporting both wildlife and the communities that share landscapes with it.
“When communities are equipped with information, they are empowered to become active participants in conservation solutions. The Wildlife Info Line is helping to build that bridge between research, conservation practice and everyday community needs.”
Available via WhatsApp on 0787 276 366, the Wildlife Info Line continues to expand access to conservation knowledge across Zimbabwe, demonstrating how innovation, partnerships and community engagement can contribute to a future where people and wildlife thrive together.
