Company · Non-profit Organizations

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust

The Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (CWOT) was established in 1983 and is recognised as one of the oldest and largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa. Located in Zambia, CWOT covers over hectares of Miombo forest and wetlands along the Upper Kafue River, Zambia's second largest river, and home to over 300 bird species, many of which are endangered. Located in the northern Copperbelt region, CWOT provides a sanctuary for more than 150 endangered chimpanzees and other wildlife in need. These animals are rescued and rehabilitated in appropriate semi-liberty enclosures covering more than 300 hectares. But we are more than a sanctuary! Our vision is an integrated landscape management approach that will serve as a sustainable model for Miombo forest management in rural Zambia. Through this approach, CWOT will lead the way in reducing wildlife trafficking, promoting sustainable local development, developing an equitable and inclusive rural society, and ensuring that biodiversity and ecosystems provide essential community services. This vision aims to improve the well-being and prosperity of the community and contribute to the achievement of national and global sustainable development goals by 2030. Today, Chimfunshi is home to around 70 employees and their families (around 400 people in total, including around 130 children). We are working to improve the quality of life for the community by providing housing, access to drinking water and electricity. Our community school, which serves more than 240 children from pre-school to ninth grade, provides education not only for the children of our employees, but also for the surrounding communities. Our educational programmes teach environmental responsibility. Our programmes and workshops teach conservation, sustainability and environmental management, and inspire action to protect our planet's biodiversity and the Miombo forest. In this way, we can inspire them to become Zambia's future conservation ambassadors.