The Dziko Project began as a heartfelt mission driven by our founders, Sara Ortín León and Sharon Rose (Rosie), after witnessing the terrible conditions of street dogs during travels through Malawi and Zambia in 2017. This passion inspired us to take action.
In 2019, we hosted Zambia’s first mass sterilisation campaign and two more outreach campaigns working with local vets, the Zambian University of Veterinary Medicine, and communities in Northern Zambia. Additionally, we sponsored the construction of 2 outdoor enclosures for the local animal welfare shelter for their long-term animals for behaviour enrichment and social wellbeing.
In 2019, we held Zambia’s first-ever mass sterilisation campaign, followed by two more outreach programs. We collaborated with local vets, the Zambian University of Veterinary Medicine, and local communities in Northern Zambia.
We also funded the construction of two outdoor enclosures for long-term animals at the local shelter, providing essential enrichment and improving their well-being.
Since then, we’ve continued our lifesaving work in Sri Lanka. Through our sterilisation, vaccination, and treatment programs, we are helping street dogs and supporting disadvantaged families who can’t afford vet care for their pets. Our mission is to end the cycle of unwanted litters, prevent the spread of rabies and disease, and ultimately improve the lives of dogs and cats who otherwise suffer from hunger, illness, and injury. It breaks our hearts to see animals endure so much, but it fuels our drive to make a difference.
In August 2022, The Dziko Project was officially registered as a charity in Australia. This step has allowed us to expand our programs, partner with more local vets, and launch more outreach campaigns—preventing rabies, disease, and animal abandonments while supporting the communities we care about.
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our donors and supporters. Your generosity makes our work possible, and we cannot thank you enough. Together, we’re transforming and saving the lives of thousands of animals each year.