Reverse the Heat at Chimfunshi this dry season

Help Us Turn Down the Heat at Chimfunshi This Dry Season

Your donation will help us to reverse the heat and protect Chimfunshi’s fragile and precious biodiversity & protect our chimpanzees!

The Situation:

Chimfunshi is extremely vulnerable to fires, and the hot, windy days from August through October often make them impossible to control. This year, the fires have started early. From June, large areas have already burned. Last year, over 80% of Chimfunshi’s 10,200 hectares burned unnecessarily. This year, the Kafue River did not flood the plains as usual due to the ongoing drought. This does not bode well for Chimfunshi this dry season.

Why Fires Start:

Blazes in Zambia are traditionally started by local communities to clear bush for security fire breaks or agricultural purposes, as well as to harvest chikanda and other natural resources found in the forest. However, wildlife poachers pose an increasing threat by intentionally starting illegal bush fires. These fires are used to clear areas for hunting by encouraging the growth of grass, which attracts wildlife and makes them more vulnerable to poaching. These illegal fires set by poachers can be devastating for the miombo forests and grasslands throughout the landscape. 

Impact:

The impact of these fires goes beyond poaching; the degradation of the grasslands also reduces the availability of fodder for the livestock on the Chimfunshi farm. In addition, numerous fires have threatened our chimpanzee enclosures, endangering their habitat and causing significant stress to our chimpanzees.

These fires have started earlier this year, due to the ongoing drought in Zambia. Our dedicated team of keepers, staff and volunteers is tirelessly working to protect the forest from these devastating blazes, often risking their own safety to do so. But we do not have the essential equipment required to effectively combat the fires.

Please help us to prevent this devastation NOW

How You Can Help:

Your support can make a significant impact. Here’s how your donation can help:

- $25: Provides essential fire beaters to combat blazes.

- $50: Supplies protective gear for our fire-fighting team.

- $250: Helps purchase fire alert systems and drones for early detection.

-  $500: Contributes to the development of a long-term fire strategy plan.

$1500: Funds anti poaching teams to protect Chimfunshi for a month.

Together, We Can Make a Difference:

Every dollar counts in our fight to protect Chimfunshi’s wildlife and their habitats. With your help, we can prevent devastating fires, support our fire-fighting efforts, and ensure the safety of our precious chimpanzees and other wildlife.

Spread the Word:

Please share our campaign with your friends, family, and social media networks. Raising awareness is just as important as financial support.