Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) together with Wild Africa, a leading animal documentary organisation, have launched a weekly wildlife magazine show that blends storytelling, culture and community leadership.
The project seeks to ensure Africa’s last great wildlife strongholds endure for generations to come.
Titled “ZBC’s WILD AFRICA ADVENTURES”, the magazine television series plays short documentary profiles of Africa’s conservation heroes with celebrity-led segments and studio links, as it seeks to celebrate and enhance advocacy for the protection of Africa’s natural heritage.
Zimbabwe is the first country to produce the series, with wildlife conservationists excited about the potential impact of the show.
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), in partnership with Wild Africa, a leading wildlife documentary organisation, has launched a weekly wildlife magazine television show aimed at strengthening conservation storytelling through culture, community engagement and advocacy.
The programme, titled “ZBC’s Wild Africa Adventures”, combines short documentary features, celebrity-led segments and studio discussions profiling Africa’s conservation champions while promoting the protection of the continent’s natural heritage.
Zimbabwe is the first country to produce the series, which conservationists say will help amplify the country’s wildlife conservation successes.
Professor Patience Gandiwa, Director of International Conservation Affairs at the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), said the initiative showcases Zimbabwe’s conservation achievements and economic value derived from wildlife tourism.
“We are excited to have been part of the show documenting Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife from every corner of the country. As one of the leading countries in elephant, lion and rhino populations, this series will tell our wildlife story and how we have conserved it for generations,” she said.
“Our wildlife is not only our pride and heritage but also a source of income for communities living adjacent to national parks and for the country at large through tourism.”
Country Director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Zimbabwe, Mrs Alleta Nyahuye welcomed the launch, saying it complements ongoing conservation initiatives such as the Room to Roam programme in Matabeleland and Hwange National Park.
Wild Africa Southern Africa Director, Mr Guy Jennings said the partnership with ZBC was designed to showcase Africa’s rich biodiversity, starting with Zimbabwe.
“We wanted to showcase how rich Africa is in wildlife, and what better way than through a partnership with the national broadcaster. We started with Zimbabwe because of the wealth of content available,” he said.
“Wild Africa works with park authorities and governments across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and beyond, and this is the first of many productions to come.”
ZBC Director for Content and Channels, Mr Charles Munangasa said the weekly prime-time programme will highlight Zimbabwe’s wildlife, conservation efforts and communities living near protected areas.
“This is an educative programme that will be aired once a week in prime time on ZBC TV. It showcases Zimbabwe’s wildlife and brings to the fore the realities of communities living adjacent to national parks,” he said.
He said the programme will be officially launched after the World Cup to allow audiences to fully appreciate its production value.
Each episode will feature conservation heroes, field reports, studio interviews and explorations of Zimbabwe’s diverse ecosystems.
