Twala Trust and Animal Sanctuary

Sanctuary efforts in Zimbabwe.

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Connecting in Zimbabwe

Dr. Davis and his wife, Nancy, traveled to Africa for the first time in 2016 and fell in love with the wildlife and the varied cultures throughout the continent. They were fortunate enough to visit several different countries, but found a special connection to Zimbabwe. When they returned several years later, they wanted to do something to “give back” to the people and places that had become special to them. They founded Twala trust and Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit run by a dedicated woman, Sarah Carter and her veterinarian husband, Vinay Ramlaul and a dedicated group of staff and volunteers.

What is Twala?

Twala is a safe haven for all animals and birds in need, consisting of a wildlife rescue and rehab center, a refuge for abandoned exotic pets, a farm sanctuary and a free running dog shelter – focusing on elderly dogs. Twala is home to 52 species of indigenous, exotic, and domestic animals including lions, several cats, primates, reptiles, birds, small mammals and antelope. Injured, displaced and orphaned animals are returned to the wild whenever possible; others find a permanent home at Twala and are provided the very best quality of life possible for them.

Caring for the community

In addition, they run several long term community outreach programs providing free veterinary care to rural dogs in low income households as well as conservation and animal welfare education to local school children. The Trust offers an outdoor library for young dog owners that allows them to read, draw and be creative while accessing treatment and food for their dogs. Many of these children do not attend school for financial reasons and this library may be the only access they have to books and art. They also organize and assist with large scale sterilization and rabies clinics.

A Timeless Journey

Nancy and Hugh spent several weeks at Twala and helped with all aspects of running a sanctuary – cleaning, feeding, exercising & bathing dogs and helping to create new enclosures for some of the residents. They were able to use their veterinary skills and provide spay and neuter services to some local dogs and even neuter some male monkeys at the sanctuary! Dr. Davis helped at the local veterinary clinic with several surgeries including an orthopedic procedure on a civet.

Continuing the effort

It was an amazing visit and they have stayed in touch with Sarah and Vinay and have continued to provide financial assistance to the Sanctuary and the local school children. Twala was particularly hard hit during COVID as many of their volunteers travel internationally. Dr. Davis and Nancy will return to Twala in 2023 to again volunteer their time and hopefully bring them some needed supplies as well. If you are interested in donating to Twala to help continue their work or visiting yourself for an amazing volunteer experience, please look them up at https://twalatrust.co.zw/how-to-help/