Chishakwe is actively involved in research and conservation: On the ranch itself, within the Lowveld area and promoting species and conservation ethics on a much broader level.

In addition to regular counts and monitoring activities we also practically contribute to the following projects:

Lowveld Wild Dog Project
africanwildlifeconservationfund.org
African wild dogs are endangered, with as few as 5,700 remaining in the wild. Of the 42 nations that once held wild dog populations only seven still do so. Zimbabwe is one of these countries and the South East Lowveld has emerged as a stronghold for the dogs.

The Save Valley Conservancy provides an ideal environment for one of Africa’s most viable wild dog populations.

In 1996, the Lowveld Wild Dog Project was established to monitor the wild dogs in the area, and to investigate the ecology of the species. To this day, the wild dogs are monitored in Save, to enable us to assess their status and detect any threats to their population.


The Turgwe Hippo Trust
Karen Paolilo, an inspired English woman, saved the last nucleus of hippos within the Turgwe River from certain death during the drought years of 1991/2.

Since then Karen has continued to commit herself to the study and conservation of the hippo. Hippo Haven and its inhabitants have appeared on TV and in many newspapers and magazines world wide.


The Black Rhino of the Save Valley
Black Rhino are recognized around the world as being a critically endangered species. Most of the world’s Black Rhino occur in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. The protection of these amazing animals is rigorous both financially and in terms of time and man power.

The Save Valley Conservancy is home to one of the most viable and successful Black Rhino populations in the world. The population is intensively studied and monitored on a permanent and ongoing basis.

The Lowveld Rhino Trust
lowveldrhinotrust.org is a conservation organization operating primarily in the South-East Lowveld of Zimbabwe. LRT works to increase both black and white rhino numbers and range in the Lowveld region. Zimbabwe has been facing a rhino poaching crisis and in the last five years over 300 rhinos have been poached. To help reduce poaching LRT translocates rhinos from high-risk areas to safer locations; treats rhinos with snare and bullet wounds; assist authorities with prosecuting poachers; and intensively tracks and monitors rhinos to confirm their ongoing wellbeing.

Chishakwe facilitates the Trust’s operations within the Save Valley Conservancy and surrounding areas by offering logistical support in terms of workshop facilities, housing and fuel storage.

World Rhino Day and All In For Rhino
In 2011 Chishakwe teamed up with Rhishja Larson of Saving Rhinos to promote World Rhino Day.

These efforts have been most successful in raising awareness on the plight of the five species of rhino and also in uniting the various organisations and individuals involved in Rhino Conservation both in Africa and in Asia. A new organisation called All In For Rhinos has been born from this collaboration and Chishakwe remains committed to de-bunking the myth that rhino horn has any medicinal value and fostering a sense of international unity between all stakeholders and rhino lovers.



If you would like to make a donation to Rhino Conservation please contact us or look for the appropriate organisation listed near you on the All In For Rhinos site.