About Us

Marco and Francesca took a choice of life. Pushed by an enormous love for the sea and the nature, and a tremendous interest in the wildlife and African communities, they have addressed their existences toward the simple and primitive way of life that only a small African Island can offer.

Marco and Francesca have matured 35 years of experience in Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), as consultants of environmental education, cultural resources, conservation of endogenous species, conservation of environments and monitoring of the conditions and use of natural resources.

In 2000, Marco and Francesca bought a plot in Mafia Island and build an eco-lodge, one of the first eco-lodges certified by National Environment Management Council (NEMC) in Tanzania.

The eco-lodge is called ECO SHAMBA KILOLE LODGE (ESKL) by Shamba Kilole Ltd, and is located at Utende Village in the south-east of Mafia Island.

As promoters of environmental education and resources conservation, they focus their energy with a project for vaccination and spay/neuter periodic campaigns of stray animals, and they started this mission over 20 years ago checking the conditions of life of the animals, especially dogs and cats, who mostly were free roaming owned or semi-owned community dogs and cats, and in the past, have been culled as a measure of trying to control the stray dog population. Also checking treatments and state of life of animals living and working in harsh conditions, such as donkeys, and give them a better and safer future.

Partnering with notable organizations such as EveryLivingThing (rescue shelter and clinic in Dar es Salaam), Mbwa Wa Africa (rescue shelter and clinic in Arusha), Four Steps for Freedom (charity organization locating in Scotland), WVS (World Veterinary Service), who provide skilled Vets and Nurses from all over the world to Mafia Island vet activities.

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to private donors, whose generosity keeps our vision alive. Their invaluable support ensures that Animalia Mafia Island can continue making a tangible difference in the lives of the animals and communities at large.

At the very beginning of the Project Dr.  Ramadhan Juma, who is paramedic working in Zanzibar, has been coming to Mafia for 15 years for vet activities, played a pivotal role.

Dr. Rama has been practicing as a paramedic in Zanzibar and other zones in Tanzania where was sent for working and has expanded his professional expertise not only as a surgeon but also as a specialist in local diseases. Dr. Rama has been working for Government Veterinary Department of Zanzibar for about 30 years.

In recent years, there’s been a notable uptick in the demand for services from the local community, particularly concerning the sterilization and vaccination of dogs and cats. This surge not only underscores the community’s growing awareness of animal welfare but also highlights the importance of sustainable health practices for these animals. Recognizing the expanding needs, we acknowledged that a more systematic, professional methodology was crucial.

You Have the Power to save the Voiceless Wonders of Mafia Island

Vision

ANIMALIA MAFIA ISLAND’s vision is to have a clinic and shelter for abandoned / stray animals, needed to be rehabilitated and re-homed.

  • Having permanent vets.
  • Having an equipped car for rescue and surgery.
  • Improve people’s understanding of respect for animals, in order to give them well-being and health for a secure and cleaner common environment.
  • Improving people’s understanding so that they recognize animals are part of environments, just like plants, the whole mineral kingdom, and of course, mankind.
  • Agree with Government to continue together on the organization of the program, indeed go thoroughly into details for educating communities of the work of veterinarians and why it is so important for the human population and the environment, also educate communities about the importance to help and assist the Vet Team during their activities.
  • Visit schools and educate students of all ages on this concept. Children and adolescents are the adults of tomorrow, destined to lead the future of their Country.

Mission

Our aim is to relief and help the control of Rabies and other diseases.

Rabies, which is a terrible disease, that even if, cases have not occurred in Mafia for long time, it’s necessary to continue the prevention to escape eventual risks.

By vaccinating dogs, we control other serious diseases like leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and distemper.

Without human intervention, overpopulation can lead to starvation, to disease outbreaks and to unimaginable suffering, however, with our intervention we can control the population of animals.

Spaying and neutering improve animals’ quality of life and can reduce fighting in male dogs, eliminate the call of nature to roam for mating, and prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens which, without proper care, will face a challenging life.

It also helps protecting dogs against sexually transmitted diseases and CTVT (a contagious cancer that spreads from dog to dog).

Values

  • VACCINATION: ensuring health and the well-being of the strays of Mafia Island with essential vaccinations
  • STERILIZATION: controlling the population responsibly to ensure that every animal has a chance at a good life.
  • MEDICAL CARE: treating and rehabilitating injured or sick animals, ensuring their prosperity.
  • FEEDING: provide nutritious meals to hungry strays, ensuring they are fed adequately.
  • COMMUNITY EDUCATION: spread awareness about animal welfare and responsible care on Mafia Island.

They Need Your Help!

Any donation is worth twice as much to animals in need!