Zambia has significant wildlife assets and conservation programs alongside challenges from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and limited welfare enforcement capacity. The country's relative political stability by regional standards has allowed some sustained conservation and welfare program development.
Zambia's national parks — including Kafue, South Luangwa, and Lower Zambezi — protect important wildlife populations including lions, elephants, leopards, African wild dogs, and hippos. South Luangwa in particular is renowned for high wildlife densities and has been a major conservation success, with wildlife populations recovering significantly from mid-20th century hunting pressure through effective management.
African wild dog welfare and conservation is a specific Zambia priority — Zambia holds important populations of this critically endangered species, which faces threats from snaring, persecution, and habitat fragmentation. Carnivore research and conservation programs including the Zambia Carnivore Programme conduct monitoring and community engagement supporting both conservation and individual animal welfare.
Poaching for ivory and bushmeat remains a significant threat. Zambia has invested in anti-poaching enforcement with international support, achieving some success in reducing elephant poaching from peak levels. Snaring for bushmeat affects a wide range of species and causes significant individual animal suffering through snare injuries. Snare removal programs in and around national parks contribute meaningfully to wildlife welfare.
Cattle are central to Zambian livelihoods, representing savings, draft power, and food. East Coast Fever is a major cattle disease causing significant welfare and economic losses, transmitted by ticks. Tick control programs including dipping are important welfare and health interventions. The Livestock Development Trust and government extension services provide veterinary support to smallholder farmers.
Working cattle used for cultivation and transport provide essential agricultural services in areas without mechanization. Draft cattle welfare requires attention to yoke design, load limits, rest, and veterinary care. Donkeys are used in some regions for transport and agriculture, with working equid welfare programs by SPANA and partners providing veterinary services and owner education.
Zambia has developed community resource boards (CRBs) and game management areas (GMAs) that allow communities to benefit from wildlife resources while managing their use. These systems, when functioning well, align community livelihoods with wildlife conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflict — creating conditions for both conservation and welfare improvement. Revenue from safari hunting and photographic tourism funds community programs and anti-poaching.
Zambia's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Wildlife Act (administered by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife) provide the legal framework. The SPCA of Zambia operates in Lusaka and Ndola, providing companion animal services and welfare education. International partnerships with organizations including the Zambia Carnivore Programme, African Wildlife Foundation, and WWF support conservation and welfare capacity.