Free To Be Wild
Free To Be Wild is Zimbabwe’s first primate rescue and rehabilitation centre.
Although specializing in primates, the sanctuary also accommodates all other wildlife species in need and currently houses over 70 different rescued animals of various species from around Zimbabwe.
The sanctuary practices a strong rescue, rehabilitation, and release policy and, up to date, has released over 400 animals back into the wild, where they belong.
History of Free To Be Wild
Free to be Wild was founded by Baye Pigors in January 2014.
Growing up in Africa Baye always had a backyard full of orphaned wildlife. Animals of all descriptions have always been a big part of her life.
In 2013, Baye received her first orphaned baby baboon, who was promptly named “Umfazi”. At that stage, the formation of the sanctuary was still a long way off, but Baye made Umfazi a promise – that promise was, that one day she would be returned to the wild and be given the chance to be a free baboon again.
That promise was the beginning of an incredible and heartwarming journey.
Upon receiving Umfazi, Baye realised that there was no facility or organization in Zimbabwe that was geared towards the rehabilitation of primates with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild.
For the next several months, Baye spent her time travelling and visiting sanctuaries throughout Southern Africa, where she learned and researched rehabilitation methods for primates and other wild animals.
Upon her return, Free to be Wild was founded, and programs for the rehabilitation and release of both monkeys and baboons were established. It didn’t take long before various other wildlife species found their way into the care of the sanctuary, and the decision to open the doors to all species was made.
What We Offer
Free to be Wild offers private and intimate educational tours on the weekends to allow for public to see the work they are doing and experience wildlife in a natural and free-roaming environment.
Bookings can be made via Whatsapp.
Educational school tours are also available. The sanctuary currently runs a school program that has allowed over 2000 school children to learn about wildlife every term.
Volunteer Program
An international volunteer program is also available to wildlife enthusiasts, vet students, and primatologists who wish to gain hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation. There is no age limit on this program, and we have hosted volunteers as young as 2 years old up to 84 years old.
The sanctuary relies solely on donations from the generous hearts of supporters. We are very grateful for the generosity of our donors, and we can’t thank them enough for enabling us to help the injured animals that are unable to help themselves.
Our Guardians of the Wild programme enables you to symbolically adopt some of our animals, sponsor their rehabilitation, and release them back into the wild, where they belong.
Where We Are:
The sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Bulawayo City at 242 Arnold Way Burnside and is a 10-minute drive from the City Centre.
Contact details:
info@freetobewildsanctuary.org
0775 545 546
www.freetobewildsanctuary.com
Instagram @freetobewild
Opening hours:
Saturday and Sunday
Entry into the gate at 9am, 11am, 1:30pm, and 4pm
