WhatsApp Wildlife Tool Expands to Ndebele, Boosting Coexistence Efforts in Zimbabwe

Wild Africa has unveiled the Ndebele-language version of Wildlife Info, an AI-powered WhatsApp tool that helps communities safely coexist with wildlife through practical mitigation guidance. The expansion comes after the successful launch of the English version in September 2024, which has already attracted more than 17,000 active users across the country.

Zimbabwe, home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population and a diversity of large carnivores, continues to face serious human-wildlife conflict. Growing settlements, the impacts of climate change, and small-scale farming have increased encounters between people and animals, particularly in regions close to national parks. Communities frequently report crop destruction, livestock losses, property damage, and injuries. As these challenges deepen, access to timely, reliable information has become essential for promoting safer coexistence strategies.

Developed by Wild Africa, Wildlife Info provides expert-backed mitigation guidance sourced from Save the Elephants and Wildlife Conservation Action. Through WhatsApp, users can receive tailored information on interacting safely with elephants, crocodiles, lions, hyenas, hippos and more. The platform also features a popular elephant-themed quiz where participants can win data bundles to keep learning. The tool is supported by the Elephant Crisis Fund and launched in partnership with ZimParks.

Some of the most common user queries include how to report wildlife crime or injured animals, understanding predator and elephant behaviour, reducing crop damage, preventing livestock predation, and accessing visual guides and other interactive content. With a simple message, communities can instantly receive advice that may prevent injuries, save crops, or protect livestock.

Accessing Wildlife Info is designed to be effortless: click the WhatsApp link to choose a language, save +263 78 727 6366 and send “hi,” or scan the QR code on campaign materials.

Wild Africa CEO Peter Knights OBE said the new language rollout reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusive communication: “The uptake of the initial English rollout demonstrated the clear value of Wildlife Info as a practical, on-demand resource for communities living near wildlife. Introducing a Ndebele version strengthens its impact by ensuring that guidance is accessible, understandable and usable for the people who rely on it most.”

Dr Lucy King, Save the Elephants’ Coexistence Director, emphasised the importance of accessible knowledge: “We recognise that elephants make challenging neighbours, and we hope that by increasing knowledge and access to this whole library of effective coexistence tools and techniques through the Ndebele version, it will help people live more easily with elephants. We have to work together as a society to reduce human-elephant conflict in Zimbabwe, as both elephants and people deserve to live in peace.”

The Ndebele rollout is being amplified by Public Service Announcements from ambassadors Sandra Ndebele and Mzoe 7, while Tariro Gezi, Rumbidzai Takawira and Moreangels Mbizah recorded fresh PSAs in English. Ongoing ambassadors Voltz, Samantha “MisRed” Musa, Hilton Mudariki and Butterphly continue to promote the tool across media platforms including TV, radio, and social channels.

Community leaders have also welcomed the development. Ndlelende Ncube, Director of Tikobane Trust, said the tool brings meaningful change: “Being situated next to Hwange National Park, many of our community members struggle with human-wildlife conflict on a regular basis. As many don’t speak English, the Ndebele translation opens up this tool to them to learn and implement mitigation techniques. Starlink installation at our learning hub now gives free WiFi access, opening a whole new world in the ongoing fight for Human Wildlife Coexistence.”

Farai Chapoterera, Wild Africa’s Country Manager in Zimbabwe, added that field experiences show just how appreciated the new translation is. “When we speak to Zimbabweans in their own language, we can reach and help so many more people at risk from human-wildlife conflict, and assist them to live in harmony with elephants and other wildlife.”

The expanded tool marks another step forward in strengthening community knowledge, protecting wildlife, and building safer, informed coexistence practices across Zimbabwe.