On the northern banks of the Zambezi lies a landlocked nation that’s all too accustomed to the specter of poaching. Zambia’s wildlife has suffered tremendously in previous years, particularly from using snare traps, however because of the concerted effort of native organisations like Mulberry Mongoose, you’re now extra more likely to uncover magnificence than brutality in Zambia’s nationwide parks.
At Intrepid, we firmly imagine that wild animals needs to be considered doing what they do greatest: dwelling within the wild. That’s why all our wildlife-themed journeys give travellers an opportunity to contribute to conservation and the native communities defending wildlife. And if you happen to journey to South Luangwa in Zambia’s east, you’ll have the ability to spend an unforgettable afternoon with the artisans at Mulberry Mongoose, a workshop remodeling snares set by poachers into stunning items of jewelry impressed by the African panorama.
Founded in 2013 by British expat Kate Wilson, Mulberry Mongoose was born out of the idea that with a view to really feel good, everybody – together with animals – should profit. The enterprise helps fund anti-poaching initiatives, offers employment for native Zambians and offers these travelling by Eastern Africa an opportunity to buy a memento that not solely seems to be good, however does good too.
“Snares are a huge issue and the biggest killer of our iconic wildlife,” says Kate, “and you have all this snare wire stored across Zambia, across Africa, really. It’s a liability as it can get stolen and re-used, so the idea of repurposing something like that was really important. It’s also really challenging to turn snare wire into jewellery, but rural Zambians have unbelievable ingenuity and creativity with their hands. The work plays to, and celebrates, their strengths.”
Kate mentions Grace, one in every of ten artisans presently employed by Mulberry Mongoose, for example of the affect the enterprise has had. “She [Grace] has twelve people in her home and is the only one making a salary. She came to me six years ago needing a job and we were very affected by her. Back then, we were using men to turn our snare wire into beads because it’s really difficult and you need a lot of strength, but the men came and went as they often found work elsewhere. We told Grace that if she could make the snare wire into beads, we could employ her, so she came in every day, with blisters on her hands, until she figured it out. Her tenacity was extraordinary. She pushed through to make it work and now she’s one of our best jewellery workers. She also came up with one of our mottos: there’s no sweet without sweat.”
By remodeling one thing ugly into one thing folks need, Mulberry Mongoose has already raised $130,000 for wildlife conservation. “Mongooses survive in the bush by looking out for one another and we’re the same,” says Kate. “We add value on so many levels, be it conservation donations, rural employment or encouraging people to buy from local artisans. And the mulberry, that’s in our name because we create something beautiful and provide a great service. We don’t compromise on quality because we’re very remote and our team comes from rural Zambia. It’s a beautiful workshop and we focus on providing a really amazing service for our customers.”
The workforce at Mulberry Mongoose delight themselves on being a store much less unusual. It’s like a inventive oasis and travellers can be greeted, Kate says, with one of the best smiles within the enterprise. “You’ll get a full tour and learn what snare wire is, then have a chance to work with the wire yourself by hammering it on the anvil. The team love showing travellers that and their warmth and energy is palpable. There’s the odd power cut, given the remote location, but otherwise, visiting here is a really special experience.”
Visit Mulberry Mongoose on Intrepid’s Vic Falls to Stone Town journey, or the reverse itinerary, Stone Town to Vic Falls.
And if you happen to love the work that Mulberry Mongoose is doing however received’t have a chance to go to Zambia anytime quickly? Their jewelry could be shipped worldwide, that means you’ll be able to share the story of the rangers, artisans and wildlife wherever you’re and, better of all, look mighty high-quality whereas doing it.