Zimbabwean Schoolchildren Learn to Identify and Avoid Animal Threats

The Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe is not just a haven for wildlife, but also a place where human-animal interactions are becoming increasingly common. In the impoverished outskirts of this conservancy, 14-year-old Esther Bote navigates her daily routine with caution and resilience. From cleaning the house to walking 5 kilometers to school through bush paths and forests, Esther faces the constant threat of encountering dangerous animals along the way.

Living in a region plagued by repeated droughts exacerbated by climate change, Esther and other children in the area have had to adapt to a new reality where wildlife encroaches on human settlements in search of resources. To mitigate the risks posed by these interactions, the Save Valley Conservancy and the country’s parks agency have initiated a program to educate school-age children on recognizing danger signs and coexisting with wildlife.

Through this program, children like Esther are learning to identify different wildlife footprints, animal sounds, and how to read environmental cues to stay safe. By instilling a sense of ownership and respect for wildlife in the younger generation, the hope is that they will view animals as beneficial to the community rather than adversaries. This initiative not only aims to protect children but also to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.

In a recent session at Chiyambiro Secondary School, children gathered to learn about animal behavior and self-protection from a young woman ranger. They were taught not to approach animals, especially predators like lions, which may view them as potential prey. With some children walking up to 15 kilometers to school before daybreak, when predators like hyenas are still active, the need for this education is crucial for their safety.

Parents and school authorities are hopeful that this initiative will make children safer on their daily commutes to school. While there is no concrete data yet on the effectiveness of the program, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is changing attitudes and behaviors towards wildlife. However, challenges remain, such as parents requesting concessions for their children’s safety, and teachers facing difficulties in commuting to schools located in wildlife-prone areas.

The Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is pushing for similar programs to be implemented in schools nationwide, where human-wildlife conflicts are on the rise due to climate change-induced droughts. By educating children on animal behavior and conservation, not only are they kept safe, but they also become messengers of this important information to their families and communities.

As Esther continues her daily routine, she acknowledges that while the training has equipped her with knowledge about animals, the risk of encountering wildlife remains. However, she remains hopeful that this education will help her navigate these challenges and ensure her safety as she pursues her education in the midst of the wild beauty of the Save Valley Conservancy.