Wildlife Conservation: Elephant Calf Rescued from Poacher’s Snare and Reunited with Its Herd

Collaborative Conservation Efforts in the Zambezi National Park

In the expansive wilderness of the Zambezi National Park, Old Drift Pro Guide, Vusa Sibanda, discovered a distressing scene that would set in motion a remarkable and heart-warming tale of heroic conservation efforts. Within a tight-knit herd of approximately 15 elephants, a young calf was found in a desperate plight, ensnared by a wire snare that had inflicted deep and painful wounds around its neck.

While poachers mostly target antelope and other smaller game, the snares are indiscriminate. The crude, noose-like traps often maim or kill non-targeted animals such as lions, giraffes and in this case, a baby elephant. 

Vusa called Leslie, the Old Drift Lodge manager on duty at the time, and Les wasted no time in reaching out to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, urgently seeking their assistance. The Trust’s dedicated team has successfully freed hundreds of snared animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, elephants, kudus, waterbucks, warthogs, and impalas. They arrived at the scene, ready to embark on a challenging rescue mission.

The very nature of snares makes them nearly impossible to remove; the harder an animal pulls, the tighter the snare gets, and rescuing a trapped baby elephant within a protective elephant herd is a complex and risky endeavour.

To minimize potential danger from the anxious mother during the rescue, the mother and calf were simultaneously darted with a sedative.

The injured calf sought solace closer to its mother, and one of the quick-thinking guides manoeuvred a vehicle to gently guide the mother away, ensuring the safety of the rescue team and the vulnerable calf.

Once the calf was safely immobilized, the team carefully approached, skilfully removing the wire snare that had inflicted so much pain. With utmost care and precision, they treated the wounds before reversing the sedative’s effects. As the baby elephant regained consciousness, it instinctively tried to reunite with its mother, but a protective sibling intervened, shielding her tranquillized mother from any harm.

As the sedatives wore off and both elephants awakened, the emotional climax of this remarkable rescue unfolded as the mother and calf were reunited. With their wounds tended to and their spirits rekindled, they rejoined the rest of the herd, who had remained close by, protectively observing the entire operation.

This incredible rescue mission would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of individuals like Adrian Read, Vusa Sibanda, the support of Zimparks, the dedication of Les and Old Drift Lodge, and the unwavering commitment of The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.

 

Small Actions Create Huge Change: How You Can Support the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

 

Since its inception, the Trust has tirelessly worked to remove snares from National Parks areas in the Victoria Falls region and rescue wildlife trapped by the contraptions. Each rescue mission requires drugs, medications, sterile equipment, sampling supplies, as well as personnel and vehicle/aerial support. The drugs and equipment used to remove the snare from 1 elephant cost approximately USD $250.00. If you would like to support their rescue missions, you can make a donation on their website. Find out more here: https://vicfallswildlifetrust.org/projects/fighting-wildlife-crime/

Make February Unforgettable With a Valentine’s Month Special | Old Drift Lodge

couple on zambezi river banks romantic picnic

Our Valentine’s Special is an all-inclusive romantic retreat to the award-winning Old Drift Lodge for only $250 per person per night.
The special is valid for bookings throughout the month of February 2021 so you can save now and stay later.

Old Drift Lodge - Victoria Falls

Fall In Love With Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls… the very name of the town is romantic. It brings to mind waterfalls framed by the arch of a rainbow, night skies sequined with stars, the gentle gait of wildlife roaming across the wilderness. Old Drift Lodge is the pearl in the centre of these natural gems, where a bygone era of safari romance and meditative luxury come together in an authentic wilderness experience. It is against this spectacular setting that we launch our first Valentine’s Special to make this occasion is a standout memory in the hearts of all who stay with us.

Soul-Soothing Suites 

Our luxury river-facing suites are an exclusive haven for each couple. Each suite at Old Drift Lodge includes an elegant lounge and a spacious bathroom. The four-poster bed takes pride and centre in front of glass sliding doors, through which natural light streams into the room.

private lounge area in luxury suite
four poster bed overlooking Zambezi River

The outdoor claw-footed bath is the epitome of Valentine’s romance 

With a flute of champagne and a tub full of bubbles, it is an essential Instagram picture for all our guests at Old Drift Lodge. Spacious enough for two and positioned so that you feel the warm sun on your shoulders or see the moon reflected in the ripples of the river, the special spot is in itself the ultimate Valentine’s accessory.

girl drinking champagne in outdoor bubble bath
private plunge pool seating area river view

The bath shares an expansive balcony with a private plunge pool, sitting area, sun loungers and an outdoor shower.

With a stocked mini-fridge, ice machine and opulent finishing touches, it is tempting to spend the weekend cocooned in the sanctuary of the suites.

However, our all-inclusive gourmet meals, Valentine’s Special surprises and activities will ignite a sense of adventure that is impossible to ignore. 

Tailor-Make You Perfect Day At Old Drift Lodge

Couples are invited to be the co-creators of their safari experience, venturing beyond the classic Victoria Falls itinerary to explore indigenous tree planting, champagne sunsets, a guided tour of the rainforest and restorative river safaris.

Cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi are a highlight for everyone who visits Old Drift Lodge. Our team creates an oasis on the white sandy riverbank, where couples indulge in our chefs spread of snacks while sunset stains fill the sky before melting into the Zambezi. Old Drift Lodge is the perfect place to make sure Valentine’s is a special and exclusive occasion.

couple touring Victoria Falls
cocktails and canape sundowner on Zambezi River
man and women romantic sunset cruise

The Best Safari Retreat In Victoria Falls

TripAdvisor rated Old Drift Lodge as the 7th best small hotel in the whole of Africa, as well as the seventh-best hotel for service in Africa. Our dedicated team is intuitive yet discreet, understanding that the experience is a chance to return to life’s simple pleasures and meaningful moments.

This once-in-a-lifetime romantic retreat has never been more affordable. For only $250 per person per night, couple’s will be treated to:

  • A luxury river-facing suite, including romantic turndowns with complimentary champagne
  • A morning/afternoon game drive in the National Park
  • A morning or afternoon Zambezi River safari 
  • An indigenous tree-planting ceremony 
  • All gourmet meals and drinks (excluding premium brands) 
  • A guided tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest
  • A romantic beach picnic with cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi River 
  • Airport transfers 

Save Now, Stay Later – The Special is Valid For All February Bookings!

The special is valid for the entire month of February 2021. With only 14 suites strung along the river, Old Drift Lodge is characterized by exclusivity and intimacy. However, bookings do fill up fast, and this weekend of a lifetime in Victoria Falls should not be missed. Please email info@wildhorizons.co.zw to discover more about our Valentine’s Special.

We recommend a minimum two-night stay.

Get in touch to discover more

12 + 15 =

Negative Ions Inspire Positive Vibes | Victoria Falls

The Positive Impact of Negative Ions: Your Wellness Safari In Victoria Falls

When you step into a raw, natural space, something shifts – emotionally, physically and mentally. Nature inspires a sense of empowerment and tranquillity, igniting an electrifying paradox of sensations. Anyone who has done a tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest will understand the intoxicating feeling, but not everyone understands what causes this euphoric state. Beyond the beauty of this Natural Wonder, there is something else at work here – negative ions.

Couple enjoying negative ions Victoria Falls rainforest

What is the Difference Between Positive and Negative Ions? 

Quite simply, positive ions have lost one or more electrons, whereas negative ions have gained electrons. Though we might assume that ‘positive’ is synonymous with ‘better’, the true meaning of these terms have collapsed into their connotations and can cause confusion. Negative ions produce biochemical reactions that increase serotonin levels. This helps to:

  • Alleviate depression
  • Relieve stress
  • Boost our daytime energy

Positive ions, on the other hand, have lost their electrical charge and the benefits that go with it.

Negative ions are created as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. This is why we feel uplifted by thunderstorms and inspired by waterfalls.

Woman surrounded by negative ions from Victoria Falls waterfall

Negative Ions Make You More Alert And Energetic

The environment in urban areas disrupts the delicate balance of ions. Artificial lighting and air conditioners deplete negative ions, causing people to feel lethargic and demotivated. Throughout lockdown, people have navigated the world from behind screens that bombard us with positive ions. A safari in Victoria Falls will influence your health measurably and positively. It is more than the roar of rushing water or the beauty of a rainbow on rainless afternoons – a safari in Victoria Falls is health generating as well as breathtaking. Now more than ever, we need to escape toxic environments for the healing power of nature.

Waterfalls and rapids are the hydraulic equivalents of fireworks. Whether you are rafting down white water rapids, or even swimming above the Victoria Falls in Devil’s Pool, negative ions will generate an increased flow of oxygen to the brain to make you more alert and energetic.

Get In Touch

Our products have a purpose. From community empowerment to conservation and culture, we create meaningful and enlightened travel experiences that enrich your experience while giving back to the legacies that make Victoria Falls so spectacular.

Get in touch to book your safari to Victoria Falls today and experience the abundant beauty Victoria Falls promises throughout the year.

A Game Drive at The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

The muggy afternoon heat was beginning to dissipate as Mike, our incredibly knowledgeable and charming guide, arrived to collect us from The Stanley and Livingstone. Almost immediately we saw a herd of zebra. This fairly common sighting suddenly became an interesting study in how zebra stripes act as a private air conditioning system, allowing them to stay blissfully cool in the heat of a Zimbabwean afternoon. Equally fascinating, although less romantic, we learnt that within the first few days of being born, baby zebras eat their mother’s dung. This provides them with roughage and ample bacteria to fight off infection during their vulnerable first days.

S&L game drive DSuddenly we were startled by a warthog whose impressive size and demeanor was somewhat diminished by the very obvious lack of his tail. Mike explained to us that it is common to see warthogs with no tails on the 6000-acre reserve, as there is fierce competition between warthogs and hyenas for the limited number of burrows. About 70% of the warthogs have lost their tails from reversing into a burrow and finding it occupied by sharp fanged rivals!

Alerted by the smell, we were thrilled to see a pile of rhino faeces on the road. Mike explained to us how rhino have a unique system of detecting the presence of other rhino in the area. Male rhino ensure that after defecating they leave traces of urine and faeces on their back legs. These ‘calling cards’  drop off as he walks, clearly demarcating his area for other would-be trespassers! Female rhino dung can indicate an increase in oestrogen for potential suitors in the area.

Much like we humans will sniff a glass of wine trying to discern different scents and notes, so a rhino employs a similar, albeit rudimentary method to glean information. So the next time you raise a glass of wine to your nose and inhale deeply, think of the rhinos, one of which could be doing exactly the same thing at the same time. Cheers to you both!

Our glorious afternoon was complete when suddenly we came across not one, but five Black Rhino! Unperturbed by our presence and obvious excitement, these magnificent creatures strolled leisurely up to our vehicle, sniffing (of course) the air inquisitively and coolly regarding their star struck visitors. We realized how supremely privileged we were to see these 5 rhino (the herd comprises 7 in total) when Mike pointed out that the total black rhino population in the world stands now at a mere 1500. Depressing news indeed! For this reason the rhino on the reserve are regularly de-horned to deter poachers.

After the privilege of watching these incredible creatures, we made our way to the dam. Progress was delayed firstly by a herd of elephants waiting patiently for the babies to stop gambolling on the road and then by an enormous herd of buffalo whose progress indicated that they too were feeling the lethargy and peacefulness of the early evening. After a  glorious sunset, accompanied by perfectly made gin and tonics, delicious nibbles and a myriad of bird activity, we reluctantly left this stunning display of nature to make our way home, all of us enriched by an incredible afternoon in the capable hands of Mike.

Stanley_and_Livingstone_by_Sarah_Kerr-8957

TIPS:

  • Wear neutral coloured clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Take cameras and binoculars- there’s plenty to see!