Zambia Travel Magazine | Page 39

Did you have any idea how you would earn a living? We’ve lived off Steve’s pension for the whole seventeen years we have been here, as our work here at the centre is voluntary. We sold our house to build the conservation centre, that’s how we started off. What facilities does the centre have? There is a classroom, library and large interpretive room full of exhibities on wildlife. At Mfuwe Day Secondary School, there is a classroom, offices, student resource room, botanic gardens and nature conservancy. Have you ever run into difficulties with wild animals? Not as many as you might think, but there are the occasional ones. One of our dogs was attacked by lions and survived. Mostly we live very peacefully with the animals. Are you involved in other local projects? Yes, Chipembele has a seat on the board of trustees for South Luangwa Conservation Society. What would be your word of advice to Zambian’s on the tourism potential? Zambia has an untapped reserve for tourism and Zambians should try and visit as many places as they can, because this is their heritage. It’s important for Zambians to get involved in running some of the tourism outfits. TL Z TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA 35