The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) was established in January 1999 by Charles Brightman, a local safari operator (
Discover Safaris) and conservationist, together with the
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. It aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect the valuable and varied flora and fauna of the Falls and its surrounding areas.
The Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by the 2,340 ha Victoria Falls National Park and the 57,000 ha Zambezi National Park, bordering the southern bank of the Zambezi river. In recent years, these state-protected areas have unfortunately come under increasing pressure from illegal activities like poaching.
VFAPU aims to reduce the level of destruction taking place, and to rescue wildlife that has been injured or is sick due to human interference.
In 2023, VFAPU merged with The Bhejane Trust to form the Wildlife Conservation Coalition (WCC). Their patrols operate seven days a week, day and/or night in close co-operation with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The Unit also works hard to educate the communities in and around Victoria Falls about the value of their wildlife resources and to find employment for ex-poachers.
They are supported by a large number of local companies and organisations, including many from the tourism industry.