Predator Capture and Release – Leopards

At Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe, our core mission revolves around the rescue, rehabilitation, and eventual release of wildlife, including leopards, which can sometimes pose challenges for local Zimbabwean communities. Our approach is firmly rooted in conservation and education, with a strong commitment to sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of these magnificent creatures and contribute to the preservation of their habitats.

Addressing Problem Animals
In various areas of Zimbabwe, the magnificent leopard occasionally becomes a problem animal due to its interactions with humans, especially when it encroaches on farmers’ fields and attacks cattle. In such situations, local farmers often find themselves with limited options, and sadly, some resort to killing these magnificent creatures to protect their livelihoods.

However, thanks to Chipangali’s 50 years of dedicated wildlife protection and conservation in the region, there is a more humane alternative which is accessible to these farming communities. Communities around Zimbabwe increasingly turn to Chipangali when facing these challenges, seeking our assistance in handling problematic leopards in a humane way.

The Role of Chipangali: Capture and Relocation
When such situations arise, our experienced team steps in promptly. The goal is to capture the wild leopard as quickly as possible to prevent further conflict and harm. Once captured, the next step is to relocate the leopard to a protected reserve where it can be released into the wild without coming into contact with human communities, ensuring both the safety of the animal and the well-being of local farmers.

Collaboration with National Parks Authority
In this vital conservation effort, Chipangali works closely with the National Parks Authority in Zimbabwe to coordinate the necessary permits and permissions for the relocation process. These bureaucratic processes can vary in duration, potentially taking anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete.

By engaging in this collaborative and coordinated approach, we aim to minimize conflicts between humans and wildlife, preserve the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures, and contribute to the long-term conservation of Zimbabwe’s biodiversity.

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage plays a crucial role not only in the care of orphaned and injured wildlife but also in addressing conflicts involving problem animals like leopards. Through our expertise, community engagement, and cooperation with local authorities, we strive to find humane solutions that benefit both the people and wildlife of Zimbabwe.

Cage Size, Design, and Ethical Capture – Leopards:
At our sanctuary, we have a focus: the well-being and safety of the wild leopards under our care. When it comes to cage size and design, we have adopted an approach that prioritizes the mental and physical health of these magnificent creatures.

When it becomes necessary to capture leopards from the wild, we do so with an unwavering commitment to our ethical practices. Our cages are built with strength and reinforced with 5mm weld mesh, ensuring that the leopards cannot break free or harm themselves during the capture process. To further minimize stress during capture, we create a dark and visually blocked environment within the cage.

Contrary to the common belief that bigger enclosures are always better, it’s proven that for wild leopards unfamiliar with captivity, excessively large cages can lead to over stimulation, heightened stress levels, and an increased risk of self-injury. This is because a wild leopard placed in a spacious enclosure will attempt to escape by running and jumping against the cage boundaries, which can result in injury or even death.

To reduce this risk, it’s essential for us to establish a more controlled environment. Similar to the way one would gently restrain an animal caught in a trap to prevent further harm, the concept behind our capture and release enclosures aligns with this principle. Our enclosures have been meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of leopards. We provide a quiet area with relatively smaller cages that provide almost full coverage, thereby minimizing visual stimuli. This considerate design is intended to create a safe and less stimulating space, allowing wild leopards to remain calm until their eventual release at the earliest possible opportunity.

It’s essential to note that our ultimate goal is to provide a temporary safe haven for these leopards. We work diligently toward their rehabilitation (if required) and eventual release back into their natural habitat. For leopards that will be relocated shortly, it’s not in their best interest to place them in larger cages initially. This is for the possible risk of injury, as explained above, as well as the fact that in that case they would need to transition to a smaller cage for transport to their release site. Transitions like this would require sedation, which isn’t something we would want to do to the animal without just cause.

Recognizing the potential threats from those who may not share our dedication to wildlife preservation, we employ guards to protect the animals whilst in the trap. This additional layer of security ensures the leopards’ safety, allowing us to carry out our rehabilitation efforts without compromising their well-being.

Successful Rehabilitation and Release
The ultimate goal of our efforts is to reintroduce leopards to their natural habitats as calm and well-adjusted individuals. When we release a rehabilitated leopard, we are delighted to observe their return to their natural behaviors and habitats. We strive to balance the needs of these remarkable creatures and the safety of local communities. Our approach to capturing, rehabilitating, and releasing leopards in Zimbabwe is guided by compassion, respect for the animals, and the necessity of preserving the delicate balance between wildlife and human interaction in the region. We believe that through our efforts, we can contribute to a harmonious coexistence between leopards and the people of Zimbabwe.