Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Imire

Imire was founded in the 1950s by Norman Travers, initially as a cattle, maize and tobacco farm. He longed for the presence of game and in the late 1970s branched out into game farming. He pioneered the integration of cattle ranching, farming and long term sustainable wildlife management. Imire is internationally renowned for its black rhino breeding and release programme. In the 1980’s, during a period of Zimbabwe’s worst poaching, rhino numbers crashed from 10,000 to less than 1,000 in just a few years. The Department of National Parks & Wildlife moved the remaining wild rhino into the custodianship of private conservancies. Norman believed that Imire could successfully care for rhino, but was derided as a dreamer. However, he convinced sceptics by showing them proof of the rhinos depicted in the 700 year old bushman paintings on the conservancy. Imire’s adopted rhino and their offspring have since thrived.

In 2007 Imire suffered the worst poaching incident in its history when three rhino were shot and killed. Two females, DJ and Amber and a male, Sprinter were killed, along with Amber’s almost full term unborn calf. The incident left DJ’s 6 week old calf, Tatenda, a confused and terrified orphan. On that night, Imire lost a generation of rhino. Tatenda became an international star in the Animal Planet documentary, “There’s a Rhino in My House” which tells the chaotic story of his first year, hand-raised by Judy Travers in her home with a warthog named Pog and a hyena named Tsotsi. In November 2016 Imire was struck by another tragedy when Tatenda suddenly fell ill and passed away at the age of just 9 years old. He taught us all so much about hope and survival, and so many people world-wide joined us in mourning our loss. Our work to protect the rhino and secure its future in Zimbabwe continues.

About This Program

Our volunteer programme is a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Zimbabwe and share the experiences of a 10,000 acre family run African conservancy. You will live in close proximity to black and white rhino, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and many other animals and birds. You will hear incredible stories, learn our history, witness amazing animal relationships and help with research projects to further our knowledge of the wildlife which surrounds you. This is a wonderful experience for volunteers of all ages. Come and experience Africa in a safe environment, work hard and become part of a very special family. Our volunteer programme is a life-changing experience both for volunteers and for our staff and local community. It is a wonderful way to get involved and give something back.

Its all about intimacy and connections. We take just 12 volunteers per site so you will have plenty of time and space to form bonds with other people, animals and the spell-binding African bush. You will be part of our family in no
time, with three generations of the Travers family living at Imire – from granny to babies! We also pride ourselves on our programme’s diversity; you will work with animals, help with community projects and in the local school, carry out work around the conservancy, and undertake research projects. Learn about the animals, birds and trees which surround you and take a moment to savour the peace and serenity which is so unique to Africa. Every activity our volunteers get involved with, no matter how small it seems, makes a difference. You will see first-hand the impact that your volunteer experience has on the conservancy, and the community.

What To Expect

No two days on Imire are ever the same and there is always something unexpected around the corner! You will get involved with most of the following activities, depending on the time of year, the weather and what projects are
going on at the time.

Rhino Conservation

• Track black and white rhino using telemetry
• Assist the anti-poaching unit in locating the rhino and observing their behaviour
• Learn all about these amazing animals from experienced anti-poaching rangers.
• Walk through the bush close to rhino – a once in a lifetime experience
• Volunteers monitor behaviour to identify patterns and further our knowledge about rhino, which are notoriously difficult to study in wilderness areas.

Our observations are used to predict responses to different stimuli and learn
how best to manage our rhino population and habitat. This is especially important for monitoring the development of our youngest rhino. Volunteers also monitor feeding patterns to help prevent over-grazing and over-browsing, to plan rhino movements through the conservancy, and to determine if any supplements are needed to ensure they have a balanced diet. Our rhino are collared and volunteers learn to use the telemetry set, identify tracks and signs of rhino movement. Our observations at Imire can be used to assist rhino management techniques across the world.

Work With Elephants

• Monitor elephant movements and behaviour
• Feed and walk with the elephants and their handlers
• Clean out elephant beds and repair enclosures

Imire is committed to ensuring our elephant have as close to a natural life as possible. They are amazing ambassadors for their species and key for helping educate communities about conservation. You will monitor elephant feeding
patterns and repair elephant damage in the conservancy. Walk with the elephants in the mornings or evenings, learn about these iconic animals from their knowledgeable handlers and understand the threats they face and
what’s being done to protect them.

Anti-Poaching & Security

• Undertake snare patrols and critical anti-poaching monitoring
• Fish netting patrols on our many dams
• Fence and boundary monitoring on horseback and on foot
• Weapons training

Volunteers undertake snare sweeps around the conservancy, looking for evidence of poaching and collecting snares and traps. This minimises small animal poaching and helps the dedicated Anti-Poaching Unit in their daily work to ensure that the large animals are protected. You will horse ride once a week and carry out herd monitoring off the beaten track and boundary patrols.

You will also have the opportunity to do weapons training with our Anti-Poaching Unit and scouts. You will use paintball guns to simulate the scouts FN rifles to gain familiarity with a “weapon”. You will also join the APU as they do their drills and training. You will have the opportunity to meet with, and learn from, the experienced K9 Anti-poaching unit and our amazing Murwi a highly trained Dutch Shepherd.

These are just some of the activities you can take part in during your time at Imire. For a detailed list covering all the activities and accommodation contact us directly.

How You’ll Be Helping

By joining this program you’ll be contributing to;

• Imire’s main mission of breeding black rhinos and releasing them into the wild to boost their dwindling numbers.
• Maintaining the reserve e.g. repairing fences & snare sweeps.
• Raising awareness of the issues regarding conservation.
• The work Imire does in the community. They support their local community and school/s.
• The local economy when you go out into the community and buy supplies or souvenirs.
• The survival of the many species of animals that they protect on the reserve.
• The overall sustainability of this project by joining the program. Your payment is used to continue their important work.

There are many amazing animal experiences to be had during your stay here but be prepared to get down and dirty and see what it takes to run and maintain a wildife sanctuary and know at the end of a hard days work that you have helped the future of our wildlife and the local community in which you are working.

Dates

This program is weekly starting every Monday throughout the year. You can join anywhere from 1-8 weeks. It is recommended to volunteer for at least 2 weeks minimum if possible to get the most out of your time here and to make an impact but we understand that is not always possible.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The program fee includes

• Return airport transfers from Harare (every Monday within our stipulated times).
• Food and drinks (three meals a day). You can change it up and buy your lunch on a Sunday from our local restaurant for something different.
• Accommodation.
• All activities and transport on the reserve.
• Laundry and housekeeping.
• Full orientation on arrival.
• 24 hour support from our on-site volunteer managers.
• GGCF T-shirt
• GGCF Services

Exclusions

• Any excursions outside the volunteer programme.
• Fizzy and alcoholic drinks (over 18s only) from our bar.
• Sunday Lodge Lunch (optional).
• Any extra travel e.g. to Harare or to Victoria Falls.
• Airfares

Advice

• Accessing cash in Zimbabwe can be an issue so ensure you bring enough to cover your time at the reserve. US dollars are the main currency.
• Most countries can pay for a visa upon entry to the country if need be. If staying longer than 30 days you may need to apply for an extension. You can apply here https://www.evisa.gov.zw/home for a visa prior to travel if you wish.
• Zimabwe has a sub-tropical climate influenced by altitude and experiences two seasons mainly, dry and wet. The wet season is from November through to March and a cool dry winter season from May to August with transition periods in between. The reserve is located at an altitude of around 1400m so pack something warm also no matter the season.

Location

The reserve is located about 2 hours or 115km south east of Harare. It is a sub tropical climate and has a mix of bushland and open plains for the animals to roam and for you to explore during your time here.

What To Do Next

Enquire directly with us today for more information and to check availability for this program.