Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust has partnered with Environment Africa to bring thirty five groups of local school children in the Victoria Falls Region, to the Orphanage and Sanctuary to have a day of fun and learning in the bush.

Each of the schools in Victoria Falls town boasts an established environmental club. In conjunction with these clubs, Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust identifies approximately 20 students per week for an “Interaction and Awareness” experience.

During the experience, learners have an opportunity to touch and feed the Wild Horizons elephants as well as to learn more about the herd members. 

This experience is vastly different from the children’s “traditional” outlook on elephant.  Unfortunately, elephant are often branded as pests for their crop raiding in rural areas. Elephants also often, unwittingly, cause havoc with kids walking long distances to school every day.

Throughout the morning the kids learn basic bush awareness skills, how to use their senses more effectively in the bush, and see where elephant have been, and how to stay safe. 

For many of the children, living in the area in and around Victoria Falls Town, it is a huge treat to be able to get out in the bush and learn more about the environment they live in, yet often don’t have the opportunity to do so.

After the interactive experience with elephants and a short wilderness awareness course, the children partake in a brief talk about poaching, and why is it important to protect natural resources before they enjoy a wholesome prepared hot lunch before heading back to school.

A day that will not easily be forgotten!