Photo Credit: Edward Selfe
Dazzle Africa collaborates with our partners Conservation South Luangwa and Zambian Carnivore Programme to fund the first full-time wildlife veterinarian in South Luangwa Valley, Dr. Mwamba Sichande. His work is crucial for saving wildlife in South Luangwa National Park and the surrounding area through rescue operations and community-based veterinary work. From de-snaring endangered wildlife to collaring African wild dogs and lions, Dr. Sichande works at the forefront of wildlife conservation and has saved hundreds of animals (and therefore thousands of offspring).
Every year, Dr. Sichande and his team respond to many reports of snared animals, providing lifesaving care after traveling long distances in harrowing conditions.
Dr. Sichande and his team also serve domestic animals with vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, and other medical care. Each year, the team vaccinates hundreds of dogs and spays and neuters dozens of dogs and cats. Treating domestic animals also helps prevent diseases like rabies from spreading to wildlife or humans, maximizing the impact. Dr. Sichande’s work also extends to overseeing the treatment of the Delta Dog Detection unit, the canine unit used in CSL’s anti-poaching operations.
Photo Credit: Edward Selfe
Dr. Sichande is a leader in wildlife veterinary medicine as well as a mentor to rural Zambian students aspiring to be veterinarians and follow in his footsteps. For example, Dr. Sichande served as mentor to Mercy Njobvu, an inspiring Dazzle Africa-sponsored student who successfully completed a degree in veterinary medicine. Mercy has been recognized as an outstanding conservationist as a National Geographic Young Explorer. Dr. Sichande’s mentorship is creating a new generation of conservation leaders in the Luangwa Valley!