Our Latest Projects

This was the birth of the Cactus Animal Shelter & Childrens Education Centre in Zambia – a rescue and rehoming sanctuary for companion animals in need of loving care and the opportunity to learn to trust humans again. The Cactus Shelter is also a place for children to interact with the dogs finding sanctuary there and to partake in educational programming. Human-animal interactive sessions are supported by lessons about perspective-taking, empathy, compassion, and kindness - and are underpinned by age-appropriate connections to concepts of interconnectedness, ecotherapy, the human-animal bond, reciprocal relationships, mutual thriving, multispecies communities, and flourishing systems. Through exploring these themes together with their peers, and with staff helping to foster positive human-animal interactions, mutual healing or deep learning (or both) can take place, paving the way for cultures founded on understanding, respect, love, care, and harmony. Alongside learning about the sentience of the rescued dogs they meet, and thereby that of all animals, children receive lessons about the social-ecological value of animals as individuals and within their communities; their intrinsic value; their moral rights to wellbeing; and the reciprocal wellbeing and mutual thriving that can be born from healthy human-animal interactions and relationships.

Through our incredible story weaver – the award-winning Patricia Schonstein – a publishing imprint named after our very own Phoebe was born. Two fantastic books have been published thus far - stories which take children on a transformative journey aimed at fostering empathy, respect, and compassion, for all beings. We work in schools to support children in both increasing their reading and writing skills as well as enriching their understanding of the perspectives of animals while developing their capacities for empathy and kindness. Engaging stories, interactive activities, and meaningful discussions lead young readers to explore diverse perspectives, understand the feelings and experiences of others, and appreciate the interconnectedness of all life. From tales of friendship and kindness to narratives highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and animal welfare, each book selected for the program serves as a catalyst for reflection and understanding. Through this holistic approach to literacy education, children not only develop essential reading skills but also cultivate a deep sense of empathy and a devotion to living a gentle life, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and loving global society founded on compassionate action. Patricia has completed many more manuscripts, and we look forward - when funding allows - to publishing evermore impactful works, spreading these messages to children across Africa and around the world.

The Leopard’s Hill Project is a multi-faceted campus designed to accommodate a variety of interconnected animal-human-environment activities and to nurture those very relationships. The project honours the natural African bush landscape and is being designed with a strong focus on sustainability. The activities in each operation are to serve as fuel for the next, ultimately taking shape as a self-sustaining, community-led ecosystem focused on interconnectedness and harmony. Key areas include an animal sanctuary, service dog training section, education centre, arts and crafts centre, amphitheatre, conferencing rooms, children’s activities, sporting facilities, and Cat Cafe. The project design is about the creation of beautiful spaces, integrated with the natural environment, that welcome the people and communities we serve. Overall, it is a space where people can engage with each other, learn, and be inspired through their connections with one another, other animals, and the natural world. The animal sanctuary allows us to continue rescuing and rehoming dogs, in tandem with prioritizing service dog training. Alongside these initiatives is our budding educational programming, which we are enthusiastic about expanding and bringing to fruition through further in-school humane education sessions as well as increased animal-welfare and compassion-centered lessons at the campus. Other extra-curricular programming available for kids includes arts and crafts, sports activities, and other opportunities. We have an on-site ampitheatre and conferencing centre for classes and events, and for groups working alongside us to meet and collaborate on shared visions and goals. The Cat Cafe will serve as a communal gathering space for staff, volunteers, visitors, and community members alike. Further possibilities exist for these spaces and the classrooms adjacent to them, such as career development for adults – with a focus on opportunities to sell goods or services to the community or expand and hone skills in a particular study area. Micro-agriculture is another element of our mission to foster human-animal-environmental wellbeing, which takes the form of a sustainable farm and garden with a focus on teaching about horticulture generally and accessible, successful growing practices specifically. Community members may purchase locally-grown, healthy food here and can even choose to work in our gardens. This pillar ties in the core of our mission at Leopard’s Hill, which is the nurturing of sustainability and a community-held worldview of interconnectedness. The campus is a multi-dimensional, multi-facility project, intended to be in synchronicity with the surrounding land, natural elements, and climate. The campus buildings are being designed in a modular format, allowing flexible placement to minimize impact on the environment, thus preserving the natural landscape and existing vegetation.

The state of human trafficking in Africa remains a significant concern, with the continent being both a source and destination for trafficking victims. Factors such as poverty, conflict, lack of education, and weak law enforcement contribute to the vulnerability of individuals to exploitation. Women and children are particularly at risk, often subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. While efforts to combat human trafficking in Africa have increased in recent years, including the implementation of legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, challenges persist due to the complexity of the issue and limited resources. Cross-border trafficking networks further complicate efforts to address the problem effectively. Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society organizations, and international partners are crucial to combating human trafficking and ensuring the protection and support of victims across the continent. Our work includes advocacy training both for stakeholders and agency groups in recognizing issues and rescuing victims, as well as for the public around how to recognize and respond to potential trafficking (including sensitization and education on the suffering involved). With these elements as the foundation, we provide, in collaboration with our partners, both safe housing as well as rehabilitation and skills development programs for survivors.

The dog meat trade in Africa varies significantly across different regions and countries. In some parts of Africa, particularly in certain rural areas, the consumption of dog meat has cultural and traditional roots, often associated with certain ceremonies or beliefs. However, the practice is increasingly being criticized due to significant concerns about animal welfare, public health risks, and the spread of diseases such as rabies. In many urban areas, attitudes towards consuming dog meat are changing, with growing awareness about the ethical and health implications of the trade. Animal welfare organizations and activists are working to raise awareness about the cruelty involved in the dog meat trade while advocating for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent its perpetuation. We centralize network development and collaboration with law enforcement and other legal and governmental stakeholders, while watching briefs on prosecutions and contributing as much input, participation, and support as possible. Our rescue centre on the border of the DRC aims to treat all dogs rescued from this barbaric trade both medically and emotionally, to rehome them into loving environments, and to educate the public

This urgent project focuses on the translocation of a large, viable breeding population of white rhino to a cutting edge, secure, undisclosed location in South Africa, with the ultimate mission of rewilding rhinos into controlled National Parks. The WildRhino Revival project embodies a groundbreaking initiative aimed at conserving and rewilding rhino populations in their natural habitats. Through a multifaceted approach blending conservation science, community engagement, and advanced technology, the project seeks to reverse the decline of rhino populations and restore balance to ecosystems. By establishing protected areas, implementing anti-poaching measures, and facilitating the reintroduction of rhinos into suitable habitats, WildRhino Revival aims to bolster rhino populations and ensure their long-term survival. Moreover, the project prioritizes education and collaboration with local communities to foster stewardship of natural resources and promote beneficial coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through these efforts, WildRhino Revival not only safeguards the future of rhinos but also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the overall health of these ecosystems.

GlobeLeader is a groundbreaking leadership learning project that seeks to transform the way leaders around the world approach business and life. The mission is to collect stories, history, and experiences from global leaders and innovators, turning them into crucial lessons that foster cultural intelligence and global empathy. The GlobeLeader initiative has teamed up with the Global Empathy Project to use the power of stories to create a world where empathy transcends all barriers. The project's vision is to foster a harmonious existence between humans, nature, and all living beings, with compassion as the guiding principle of every action. The first segment, "The Playbook of Resilience, Passion, and a Commitment to Progress," will take place in Southern Africa, where we aim to uncover the stories of resilience and passion that drive transformation. With some of the most impactful voices on our continent lending their support to this cause, we facilitate a collective, world-wide movement to lead differently. Using the power of stories to develop leadership competencies that can be integrated into strategic visions and plans, the content will cover a wide range of experiences and tools meant to inspire and equip leaders from around the world. The ultimate goal: uplift humanity, engender respect and honour for the environment, and nurture a love for all beings.