Epic Kids

The EPIC Kids initiative, inaugurated by Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in collaboration with the Department of National Parks in 2011, is a visionary program aimed at instilling a profound appreciation for wildlife conservation among the youth of Zimbabwe.

EPIC, an acronym for Environmental Programs Involving Children, precisely encapsulates the essence of this endeavor. The program orchestrates educational outreach to schools in and around Bulawayo, highlighting the importance of wildlife through dynamic presentations and live demonstrations of species such as tortoises, snakes, chameleons, and hedgehogs. Engaging lectures are complemented by interactive quizzes, where participants can earn animal-themed cards, enriching their learning experience. Remarkably, EPIC Kids has enlightened over 400,000 students from more than 350 schools to date.

Awareness as the Foundation

Knowledge is the cornerstone of conservation. By imparting information about the diversity of species and their conservation status, EPIC Kids nurtures a generation that is cognizant of environmental challenges from an early age.

Cultivating Stewards of Nature

Direct encounters with wildlife foster a personal connection and responsibility for preserving biodiversity. This sense of stewardship is crucial for the active participation of future generations in conservation initiatives.

Empowering Conservation Ambassadors

Educated youths serve as advocates for conservation within their communities. Their newfound knowledge becomes a catalyst for broader awareness and action, contributing to a culture that values and protects the natural world.

Ensuring a Sustainable Future

The enduring success of wildlife conservation is contingent upon the involvement of local communities, especially the youth. By instilling conservation ethics early on, EPIC Kids prepares future leaders to make ecologically sound decisions.

Harmonizing Human-Wildlife Coexistence

Education offers strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflict, promoting a harmonious relationship between communities and their natural surroundings. Understanding the ecological roles of different species facilitates more effective coexistence and reduces threats to wildlife.

In essence, the EPIC Kids program at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage exemplifies the transformative power of education in the realm of conservation. Targeting the youth not only ensures the transmission of conservation values to the next generation but also guarantees the long-term viability of ecosystems. Through fostering an early appreciation and understanding of wildlife, EPIC Kids plays a pivotal role in shaping a future where human and animal communities can thrive in mutual harmony.