In 1999, Paul de Montille  was stationed in the town of Dete in Zimbabwe, bordering the world famous Hwange National Park, and saw first hand the horror and devastation of animals dying agonising deaths after being caught in wire snares set by poachers, both in the National Park, and in adjoining areas. He thus formed the Dete Animal Rescue Trust (DART), in an effort to alleviate this unnecessary suffering of animals, and with the objective of rescuing the wildlife, either by sweeping  through the bush and removing the snares, or by darting animals already trapped by snares and removing these horrific devices. DART has operated for many years in this role, and has saved countless animals.

DART has over time expanded it’s operations from the original animal rescue work, and now provides specialist assistance to wildlife researchers and to National Parks by helping to radio-track, monitor, immobilise and collect essential field data on threatened wildlife such as lions and hyena. DART , in conjunction with the SAVE Foundation of Australia and National Parks research branch, is now leading the efforts  to save the threatened Black Rhino in Hwange National Park, by undertaking a population audit so as to establish the population remaining, it’s status and dynamics, and to protect them from poaching

DART is funded through it’s Volunteer, or Field Assistance, Program, which makes it possible for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts to join up with DART and enjoy this rare and exciting opportunity to experience the real Africa, of vast, wild and remote places, and to actively assist in the conservation and survival of the magnificent wild animals that inhabit this wilderness.

DART thus welcomes YOU to our world, and offers YOU the opportunity to join our program and make a positive contribution to the  wildlife conservation  efforts being undertaken in Zimbabwe. Our program is not for the snap-happy tourist, but for those who have a passion for wildlife, for adventure and the bush, and who want to make a difference!! We do not operate in fenced enclosures, but in over 14000 square kilometres of wilderness!

Become a DART research assistant and conservator – YOU can make a difference.

Do not let the sun set on Zimbabwe’s wildlife !!