Spread over 7,500 hectare of pristine savannah, the Zannier Reserve by Naankuse is a leading conservation area in Namibia. Owned by the Zannier family, and managed by the Naankuse Foundation, the conservation reserve aims to be a safe environment for endangered wild animals such as elephants, white rhinos or lions. It is a fenced area where wild animals can roam freely, as it is watched out and protected 24/7 against poaching tentatives, to avoid human intrusions and illegal hunts.

At the moment, the Zannier Reserve by Naankuse is employing a team of 12 anti-poachers, protecting the reserve day and night. The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU team) patrols every single day and night making it impossible for poachers to enter unnoticed. Since the beginning of the year 2020, three tentatives of intrusion have been prevented. So far no poachers have entered the property and fortunately no losses have been counted.

Unfortunately, things are not improving with COVID. In fact, the drop in international tourism and the recent drought earlier this year have impacted the thin balance, and made the rangers’ work even more complicated. More than ever, their presence is key to ensure animals safety, and the reserve relies on the generosity of individuals to continue the extraordinary work undergone in Windhoek.

The below video (made by the Naankuse team) illustrates the activities (and potential risks) undertaken by the Anti Poaching Unit actions within the Zannier Reserve to protect the fauna.