CARACAL: Kasane's Wildlife Haven

CARACAL (Centre for African Resources: Animals, Communities and Land Use) is a field-based non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to integrating traditional knowledge with scientific understanding for natural resource management. Founded in 2001, CARACAL operates a Biodiversity Center in Kasane that opened in 2010, serving as both a wildlife rescue and an educational center. CARACAL provides a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals that cannot be released back into the wild. These animals become ambassadors, helping to educate the public about conservation. The center is home to a variety of species, including reptiles, snakes, small mammals, and birds. Visitors can observe and even interact with some of Botswana's wildlife, offering a unique and up-close experience. Knowledgeable guides share insights about each animal's story, care, and prospects for returning to the wild. More than just a tourist attraction, CARACAL actively contributes to wildlife conservation through research, community outreach, and education. They develop conservation and research programs focused on sustainable wildlife utilization, resolving human-wildlife conflicts, and managing endangered species. CARACAL also trains government staff, communities, and school children in natural resource management.