About us

Malawi is known as ‘the warm heart of Africa’, both for its stunning beauty and friendly people. It’s also one of the most densely populated countries in Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world, which puts enormous pressures on its natural resources. As a result, the illegal trade of wild animals and their slaughter for bush meat is still a big problem in Malawi, at a time when conservation of both the environment and wildlife is more critical than ever.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre was set up in 2007 as the first ever People and Wildlife Centre, a project originally developed by international wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation. The Centre provides sanctuary space for Malawi’s rescued, confiscated and orphaned wildlife and where possible releases wildlife back into the wild when it is feasible to do so.

What makes Lilongwe Wildlife Centre especially unique is its commitment to the people - recognising that wildlife conservation can’t be addressed without also looking at the pressures facing the communities. Our community outreach programme covers a huge range of projects such as working with the orphanages, planting trees, and setting up a wildlife football league and a youth cultural dance programme. The Centre itself is also open to all visitors from international tourists to residents and local schools who can come to learn about wildlife and its conservation, see the sanctuary at work and enjoy a relaxing day out.

Our mission statement:

"To develop a site-specific, self-sustaining, ‘People and Wildlife’ wild animal rescue and education centre that promotes a holistic appreciation and understanding of animal welfare, wildlife conservation, environmental protection and humanitarian issues and actively engages in wildlife release and in-situ conservation programmes."

Our Aims & Objectives:

Provide sanctuary space for rescued, confiscated, orphaned and injured wild animals of Malawi. Return Malawi’s rescued wildlife to the wild whenever feasible under controlled, monitored and pre-agreed conditions. Operate to International animal welfare standards with regards to captive animal management. Promote a strict no breeding policy for animals that are not part of on-going release programmes. Not to sell, trade, exchange or commercially exploit wildlife for financial gain. Where possible, encourage statutory authorities to enforce, and when necessary improve legislation that prevents the illegal exploitation and cruel treatment of wildlife. Participate in in-situ conservation work in home country. Operate a strict ‘non contact’ policy between wildlife and visitors including the use of wildlife for staged photo opportunities between animals and visitors and the feeding of animals by visitors. Not operate any animal ‘shows’ where animals are trained to perform for visitors. Not to promote or support the consumptive utilisation of wildlife Not to promote or support the keeping of wild animals in captivity for any purpose other than their own welfare Build awareness, provide education & advise on animal welfare, wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Build awareness, provide education & advise on local and national humanitarian issues relevant to Malawi (taking account of UN Millennium Development goals). Provide an interactive recreational and educational resource for local people and overseas visitors. Develop and implement a business plan that aims to achieve financial sustainability. Recruit and promote local staff wherever possible. Work exclusively with partners who uphold the principles of the PAW Centre Core Criteria e.g. funders / trustees / programme delivery partners etc.

More Information:

To download a more detailed overview of the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, click here