When a person dedicates their entire life to supporting wildlife in the way that Lisa Hywood of the Tikki Hywood Foundation (THF) does, it's impossible not to want to help them. Always fighting for the underdog, Lisa's compassion knows no bounds. She will stop at nothing to save the little guy whilst all the time striving to make a positive difference to the bigger picture. Working with the authorities in Zimbabwe to fight illegal wildlife crime, Lisa is as close to a superhero as you can get without a cape. We have awarded THF with an annual grant and are extremely proud of Lisa and her team.
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Lisa founded the Tikki Hywood Foundation in1994 in memory of her late father Tikki. The organisation strives to help the lesser-known endangered animals who are often overlooked. Specialising in pangolin, they run the most successful pangolin conservation project in Africa and currently work with over 12 African countries on pangolin conservation. They have an A-Z approach to ensure maximum impact.
What Tikki Hywood Foundation does
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Operate a 24/7 animal rescue & release program. Their priority is to rehabilitate animals and release them back into the wild whenever possible. When animals cannot be released they remain in the care of the THF team at the sanctuary.
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Animal welfare & animal rights campaigns
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Pangolin rehabilitation & release program (the only one of its kind in Africa)
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Training and mentorship for wildlife crime investigations, judiciary and law enforcement personnel in the application of the law within Zimbabwe
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Support THF's wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release programs including upgrades and extensions to animal enclosures​ at the sanctuary
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Contribute to the Pangolin program in general, which includes costs for additional staff members, care consumables, veterinary training and pangolin awareness campaigns
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Contribute to their overall work in illegal wildlife trafficking and education and awareness
How Olsen Animal Trust helps
​Project Images - hover over for details
Pangolin
The Pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world. They are poached for their scales and meat which are used in traditional medicines. Most people do not know that the keratin in pangolin scales is the same as in rhino horn and our very own finger nails which has no medicinal value at all. Pangolin rescued at THF are rehabilitated and where possible, returned to the wild
Pangolin carers with Dave Higgs
The animals at THF need special care and around the clock attention. Hard working, passionate staff are key to the success of the foundation and OAT are proud to have sponsored the cost of additional pangolin carers.
Naia the otter
Rescued at 1.8 kgs after being attacked by man and dogs. Left paralysed and helpless, Naia has been rehabilitated at the THF sanctuary and now has full use of her legs and tail. However, due to her injuries she can not be released back into the wild so will remain in the care of THF.
Bilbo the serval cat
Bilbo was sadly orphaned and now lives permanently at THF. OAT have sponsored extensions and renovations to existing animal enclosures, as well as the building of new enclosures. It’s as important to us as it is to Lisa that our friends, who require lifetime care, have the best possible homes so they can live as naturally and comfortably as possible.
Assisi the African civet
Assisi is an African civet who was rescued at just 3 months old after a storm separated him from him mother. He currently lives at the THF Sanctuary.
Sahara the bat-eared fox
Three rescued bat-eared foxes currently live at the THF sanctuary. These are not indigenous to Zimbabwe so sadly they can not be released.
For further information on the amazing work of the THF please visit www.tikkihywoodtrust.org