In recent years, numerous reports have revealed alarming instances of animal abuse and malpractice at R&L Farms (zoo) in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

This is a call to action to protect the welfare of these innocent animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Reports by concerned visitors have highlighted evidence of inadequate living conditions, improper nutrition, lack of veterinary care, and instances of physical abuse towards the animals at the "zoo". Such negligence has resulted in the deterioration of physical and mental health for countless animals housed within the zoo (many of which are CITES listed species), as well as causing distress for visitors.

Malawi, a nation known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, cannot afford to tarnish its reputation or jeopardize development of it's conservation tourism industry by allowing such cruelty to persist, particularly for CITES listed species (all under strict national/ international protection).

It is our duty to ensure that the animals are treated with the kindness and respect they deserve. Sustainability and conservation efforts should demonstrate best practices and aspire to educate the general public about these impressive animals, rather than keeping them confined under inhumane conditions.

We call upon the government's leadership and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the R&L's practices and enforce strict regulations that will prevent further mistreatment. The most immediate and effective action is to close the animal park and relocate the animals to suitable sanctuaries where they can receive proper care and live in dignified conditions.

***Your signature on this petition can help save these animals and push for a change in how wildlife is treated in Malawi. We need your support to make this a reality. Please sign this petition to urge the closure of the zoo and advocate for better treatment of all animals.***

Continue reading for an in-depth recent report from concerned visitors (November 2025)...

"On this date, parents accompanied children and teachers from a local nursery school on what was intended to be an educational and enjoyable outing. However, the experience at R & L Farms and Game Ranch was deeply disturbing, traumatic, and wholly inappropriate for children or adults. Many of us were left shocked, distressed, and emotionally affected by what we witnessed.

Among the most alarming issues were the following:

• We discovered a dead rabbit left inside its enclosure, visible to visitors. Parents had to actively distract the children to prevent them from seeing and becoming distressed.
• Monkeys were kept in extremely small, overcrowded enclosures, with multiple animals sharing inadequate space. One monkey was observed eating toilet paper, suggesting neglect, lack of proper nutrition, and poor environmental enrichment.
• At the crocodile enclosure, there was a long bamboo pole or stick left accessible. Visitors were seen poking and taunting the crocodiles. This behavior was distressing to witness and posed a danger to both animals and people. There were no attendants or staff present to supervise or prevent this, leaving parents to intervene themselves.
• Most distressing of all, a male member of staff chased a dog with a brick and beat it repeatedly and mercilessly, directly in front of children and adults. Despite cries from our group to stop, he ignored us and continued the attack. The violence was so severe that we can only assume the dog was gravely injured or killed. The dog howled and cried out in a manner that was so heart wrenching. This act caused immense trauma to both children and adults, some of whom were reduced to tears by the cruelty and helplessness of the situation.

It is impossible to explain or justify such acts of violence and neglect to animals let alone subjecting children to witness it. The emotional impact of witnessing such cruelty during a school outing is profound and unacceptable.

Based on what we observed, we firmly believe that R & L Farms and Game Ranch is in blatant violation of animal welfare laws, regulations, and basic ethical standards required for the care and exhibition of animals. The conditions and conduct we witnessed show a complete disregard for animal rights, public safety, and child welfare.

We are uniting as parents, teachers, and other individuals who have visited this facility and experienced similar distress. We care deeply about animal welfare and believe that no establishment engaging in such practices should be permitted to operate.

We formally call for:

• An immediate investigation into R & L Farms and Game Ranch
• Accountability for acts of animal cruelty witnessed
• The closure of this facility if it is found to be non-compliant with animal welfare standards

No animal, no child, and no onlooker should ever be subjected to such cruelty. We are committed to protecting animal welfare and will not remain silent in the face of abuse. We believe it is our duty to stand up for animals who have no voice, and we are exercising that power and responsibility with urgency and compassion... We will see this through."