Free to be Wild

Free to be Wild Primate & Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Zimbabwe
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Free to be Wild is a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release centre, situated on the outskirts of the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. A safe haven, a new beginning but most importantly a chance, a chance at what every wild animal rightfully deserves. The centre specializes in primate rescue and rehabilitation, and is the first and only primate sanctuary of its kind in Zimbabwe, dealing with the Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Thick tailed Bushbaby and Lesser Bushbaby.

15/06/2026


From five tiny, sick jackal pups arrived needing urgent care.
To today; they are healthy, strong, and back where they belong.
Moments like these remind us why every rescue matters and a reminder to remember to overthink the best case scenarios too. 🤎

15/06/2026


When the crew is over ready for their evening walk!

Every day, millions of people watch wildlife videos online.Most viewers see a few seconds of something that feels heart...
12/06/2026


Every day, millions of people watch wildlife videos online.
Most viewers see a few seconds of something that feels heartwarming, funny, or adorable.
What they often don’t see is the story behind the camera.
Not every wildlife account represents rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary work, or conservation. Around the world, wild animals are still bred, traded, handled, and displayed to create experiences that people are willing to pay for.
The problem is that exploitation rarely looks like exploitation when it is wrapped in cute moments and viral content.
This isn’t about judging people for enjoying animals. We love seeing cute wildlife stuff too.
It’s about asking better questions.
•Where did this animal come from?
•Why is it comfortable around humans?
•What happens when it grows up?
•Does this interaction benefit the animal, or the people watching?
Ethical wildlife care is often less exciting than social media would like. It involves distance, patience, rehabilitation, difficult decisions, and a commitment to putting the animal’s welfare above entertainment.
The next time you see a wildlife video online, look beyond the moment.
Curiosity creates awareness. Awareness creates change. 🤎🐒

11/06/2026


Wildlife rehabilitation is full of moments you can’t rush.
For the past few months, Kevin has been growing stronger, gaining confidence, and settling into his new life. During that time, he and Sheila have been able to see one another through the safety of a fence, becoming familiar faces from a distance.
Today was the day we finally opened the gate, or should we say lifted him over it!
Wildlife introductions are never straightforward. Every animal is different, every personality is different, and even the most carefully planned introductions can go either way. Success is never guaranteed, which is why patience is such an important part of rehabilitation.
Thankfully, today could not have gone better.
Within moments, Sheila seemed to take Kevin under her wing, and the bond we hoped for appeared almost immediately. Watching him find comfort, security, and companionship in another ostrich is exactly what we have been working towards.
Some of the biggest victories in wildlife rehabilitation aren’t dramatic rescues. They’re quiet moments like these when an animal begins to find where they belong.
Welcome to the next chapter, Kevin. ❤️

11/06/2026


Some days start with no plans for a rescue.
I was out of town, going about an ordinary day, when I unexpectedly found myself in a situation with an ostrich that desperately needed help.
A severe hip injury meant there was no time to organise resources, make arrangements, or wait for the perfect plan. Sometimes wildlife rescue doesn’t give you that luxury.
So she went straight into my car. Not a rescue vehicle. Not a trailer. Just whatever was available in the moment.
The journey back to Free To Be Wild was uncomfortable, stressful, and uncertain, but when an animal needs help, you work with what you have and figure out the rest later.
Wildlife rescue is rarely predictable. It doesn’t happen on a schedule and it certainly doesn’t wait until you’re ready. One moment you’re having a normal day, and the next you’re transporting an injured ostrich across the country.
It’s a crazy journey, but it’s one we would choose every single time.

08/06/2026


A big day for two little primates. 🌿
After making a full recovery from her eye surgery, Yoda was finally ready to move into her permanent enclosure with her companion, Bug.
Watching rescued wildlife reach milestones like this is always special. What began as a journey of treatment, care, and rehabilitation has now become a new chapter filled with climbing, exploring, foraging, and simply being a bushbaby again.
Sadly, animals like Yoda and Bug are often victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Their large eyes and adorable appearance make them attractive to people looking for exotic pets, but behind that demand is a devastating reality. Many are taken from the wild as infants, separated from their families, and denied the chance to live the lives nature intended.
Bushbabies are not pets. They are wild primates with complex behaviours, specialised needs, and an important role to play in their natural ecosystems.
Today we’re celebrating Yoda’s recovery and her new home, but we’re also celebrating something bigger: the opportunity to give two rescued primates the space, companionship, and environment they need to thrive.
For animals that can no longer return to the wild, ethical care means creating a life that allows them to express natural behaviours, form social bonds, and live with dignity.
Enjoy your new home, Yoda and Bug!💚

05/06/2026


Just a troop of baboons beneath an ancient tree. The sound of the wind through the leaves and the chance to sit quietly and simply observe.
When people think about wildlife conservation, they often imagine rescues and emergencies. But some of the most meaningful moments happen in the quiet spaces between.
Watching. Learning. Sharing space respectfully.
These Baboons are not pets.
They are part of an extensive rehabilitation programme where daily bush walks form an important part of their physical and behavioural enrichment. Exploring natural environments, climbing, foraging, socialising, and making choices helps them develop and maintain the skills they need to remain wild.
Because rehabilitation isn’t just about keeping animals alive. It’s about giving them every opportunity to be themselves.

What began as a race for his wife during her battle with cancer became a decade-long journey of resilience, grief, hea...
31/05/2026


What began as a race for his wife during her battle with cancer became a decade-long journey of resilience, grief, healing, and hope.
What started as one act of support slowly became a lifelong reminder of perseverance, purpose, and choosing to keep moving forward through life’s hardest moments.
Now, that journey is being turned into something bigger than himself.
Craig is taking on this challenge to raise funds for Free To Be Wild supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of wildlife that deserve safety, dignity, and a second chance.
Every kilometre carries purpose. Every donation helps provide food, medical care, rescue support, and sanctuary for animals in need.
If his story moves you, we invite you to stand beside him. Whether through donating, sharing, or simply helping spread awareness, your support truly matters. Link 🔗 in bio 🤍
Because sometimes healing ourselves allows us to help heal something bigger. .millard.524

10/02/2026


Aya’s world has expanded.
Not through pressure.
Not through rushing release.
She’s meeting new species. Free roaming and has the freedom to make her own choices.
And when she needs it, she still gets her bottle three times a day.
Because freedom doesn’t always mean leaving.
Sometimes it means growing safely, with support, until the next step is hers to take. We are so proud of you Aya! 🦌 🤎

09/02/2026


Not every success is loud.
This little hedgehog was ready. 🦔
Release isn’t a moment we rush. It’s one we wait for. Back to the wild where you belong little one! 🤎

Address

242 Arnold Way Burnside Bulawayo
Bulawayo
000

Telephone

+263775545546

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