Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Lilongwe
Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, established in 2007 in Lilongwe, Malawi, is a renowned sanctuary focused on rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and confiscated wildlife. It operates as part of Lilongwe National Park and is Malawi's only Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA)-accredited wildlife sanctuary. The Centre plays a critical role in combating illegal wildlife trade and poaching by providing a safe haven and rehabilitation for animals before releasing them back into protected habitats. Supported by prominent organizations like the Born Free Foundation and Tusk Trust, it also runs a Wildlife Emergency Response Unit in partnership with the Malawi Government. Beyond rescue efforts, the Centre leads wildlife advocacy campaigns, promotes conservation education through programs targeting local communities and schools, and conducts vital research on wildlife welfare and disease screening. Its holistic approach integrates rescue, education, enforcement, and research, making it a vital pillar in Malawi's wildlife conservation landscape.
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Tip: Visitors should consider planning their visit via the Centre's official website to learn about visiting hours and any special events. Engaging with educational programs or volunteering opportunities can enrich the experience. The best time to visit is during daylight hours when animal activities are most observable. Booking ahead is recommended for volunteer placements and guided tours. Discounts or special arrangements may be available for groups and educational visits.
Interesting facts
- •Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is Malawi's only Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA)-accredited wildlife sanctuary.
- •The Centre runs a Wildlife Emergency Response Unit (WERU) in partnership with the Malawi Government to provide on-site veterinary care across the country.
- •In 2011, the Centre received a Responsible Tourism award for Best Organization for Wildlife Conservation.
- •The Centre actively supports Malawi's first wildlife detection dogs program at airports to curb illegal wildlife trade.
- •Many rescued animals are successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild or remain in large natural enclosures at the sanctuary.
History
Founded in 2007 by the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Born Free Foundation, the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre was created to address the urgent need for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Malawi.
Over time, it has become the country's sole PASA-accredited sanctuary, expanding its scope to include wildlife advocacy, enforcement collaborations with government agencies, and community education.
Key milestones include launching national campaigns against wildlife crime in 2014 and introducing wildlife detection dogs at airports in 2018, enhancing Malawi's capacity to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
Place Guide
Main Sanctuary Enclosures
Large naturalistic habitats where rescued wildlife are rehabilitated and cared for before release or permanent sanctuary residence.
Wildlife Emergency Response Unit (WERU)Established post-2007
A mobile veterinary unit jointly operated with the Malawi Government to provide emergency wildlife care across Malawi.
Environmental Education Program
Educational initiatives targeting local schools and communities to raise awareness of wildlife crime, conservation, and biodiversity.
Contact
Phone: 0881 78 89 99
