Our Sanctuary
The Bally Vaughan animal sanctuary was founded nearly 20 years ago to provide a safe haven for all kinds of wildlife.  The sanctuary sits on a tranquil 30 acres just a short drive from Harare.  Well, it’s not always tranquil, actually…
For instance, at 4 o’clock each day, the roaring of lions, growling of leopard, general fussy hissing of caracal and barking of Barkley the Brown Dog fills the air, as it’s time to feed the predators at Bally Vaughan and they do NOT like to be kept waiting.  We are home to some of the biggest lions in Zimbabwe.  One of our lions, Ngozi, was abandoned by his owner due to a physical disability (he has a hole in his heart).  Ngozi spent the first year of his life fighting to survive, and arrived at Bally Vaughan in a pathetic state.  But now this majestic lion is our big teddy bear, loved by visitors for his immense size and gentle nature. Our leopard, Khan, was orphaned as a little cub and was hand raised by us.  He is now one of our most charismatic residents and the picture of luxurious contentment.  Harry the caracal was an unwanted, inbred little runt virtually abandoned by his owners, and now rules his adopted home with a rod of iron.  And we have so many more!

Unwanted Animals Wanted
Some of our animals have come to us in a shocking state.  Uncared-for donkeys suffering with open sores now graze happily on our lush lawns (and eat the flowers as well).  A panicked little jackal found roaming the streets of Harare now lives comfortably with his new best friend, an abandoned serval named Smeegal.  Dogs with broken limbs (and some with peculiar behavioural issues), birds with broken wings and animals that have been subjected to abuse at the hands of those charged with their care: we take them all.  A lonely hyena who has now found love, (albeit in the form of our wildlife veterinarian), farm animals and pets left behind during the tumult of resettlement, some of our animals are even on Appendix II of the CITIES list (classified as “under threat”), such as our civets and rare blue duikers.

A Caring Home
Our bigger animals live in large, comfortable enclosures, and the smaller ones have cozier homes.  Some, such as our banded mongoose family, live wherever they please and roam the grounds chirping happily.  We provide all our animals with the proper diet, which includes 2 tons of meat per month, 2 tons of bananas and other fruit, 3 tons of grains, and the mongoose delight in eating the occasional snake (which is quite a hectic event!).  Sick and injured animals are cared for through the Twenty Four Hour Veterinary Hospital, and many of our animals take months of recovery to become fit and happy again. 

Wildlife Heritage
Our country has a tremendous diversity of wildlife, and Bally Vaughan provides affordable access to see and learn more about many different animals.  We believe our nucleus of animals represent hope not just for the wildlife of this country, but for the future of Zimbabwe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals does Bally Vaughan have?
The Sanctuary is home to lions, a leopard, 2 hyenas (can we count Kylie as just one hyena...), a civet, serval cats, caracals, an ever-increasing number of banded mongooses, blue duiker, klipspringer, crocodiles, pigs, vervet monkeys, baboons, jackals, tortoises, parrots, cockatoos, marmosets, bushbabies, nightapes, rabbits, guinea pigs,owls, peacocks and other birds, and many farm animals. All our animals are at the Sanctuary because they needed a safe haven, either because they were injured, orphaned or displaced.

Do the animals get returned to the wild?
Where possible we return indigenous birds to the wild if their rehabilitation is successful. We have successfully released more than 50 owls back into the wild, as well as some primates and small carnivores. Our bigger animals are with us for life as it is not possible to return them to the wild in Zimbabwe due to the high incidence of poaching and human encroachment on wilderness areas.

I saw an animal that looked really sick, why is that?
We take in many orphaned, injured or displaced animals and birds. Often when the animals arrive they are in need of urgent veterinary care, which they receive immediately, and they then enter a long-term rehabilitation programme which will include veterinary care, a special diet and lots of love and hands-on care.

Are the enclosures big enough for the animals?
Our enclosures are large areas full of trees, grass and toys for the animals. They all have shelters that they may choose to use in bad weather. As the animals are constantly stimulated they seem very content with their living area.

What should I do if I find an injured or lost animal?
The most important thing to do if you find an animal in the bush is to first ascertain if it really is an orphan, or in need of help. Many mothers have to leave their young when they go in search of food. Ask other people in the area if they have any information about the animal. If it is visibly injured or distressed, make a report to the SPCA, the Parks Authority or call us! We will ALWAYS come! Alternatively you can drop animals off at the Sanctuary any time, or at the Twenty Four Hour Veterinary Surgery on Second Street in Avondale. Remember to handle all animals and birds with great care, for your safety and theirs!

How can I help the animals at Bally Vaughan?
Visit the Sanctuary! Bring school children to the Sanctuary for an educational visit. Sign up to be an overseas volunteer, create awareness of our work by telling other people about us. Donations are always very gratefully received as we rely on the support of the public to continue our work here.

Sarah Carter
+263 772 592 944 or
+263 733 436 239 or
Colin Mwatupa,
Assistant Manager
+263 774 312 887