Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage (Elephant Encounter) is an approved MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®experience

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants. During the culling operations of the 1980s in Hwange National Park, many baby elephants were left orphaned and were in desperate need of a new home. With an uncontested, unwavering conservation ethic, Wild Horizons was identified as an ideal candidate to create a sanctuary for elephants in need of care. They have a strong belief that the best environment for all elephants is ultimately in the wild, and have seen great success through their rescue-rehabilitate-release program.

The rescue-rehabilitate-release program begins with a ‘soft release’ phase in preparation for the day when released into one of Zimbabwe’s National Park areas. A soft release involves the elephants being released into an area that is still familiar to them. They still have access to the other elephants in the elephant program; however, they no longer have regular contact with the caretakers or guests.

Once satisfied that they will not seek out habitation and a suitable release location is established, they will be released permanently. It is with great pride and humility that Wild Horizons watch them successfully reintegrate into the wild. The elephants continue to be monitored by satellite communication. Wild Horizons has been changing the face of conservation. Their journey has aided the country’s conservation efforts and contributed to worldwide expertise on the most effective ways of caring for orphaned elephants. For as long as there are injured, orphaned or abandoned elephants in need of a sanctuary, Wild Horizons will continue to provide a haven to the elephant while ultimately striving to ensure all animals within their care eventually return to a wild existence wherever possible.