About Us
Our Story & Mission
A CAWI ranger briefs visitors on a gorilla family's health record before a forest patrol.
Our History
Founded to protect animals across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, CAWI has grown into a community-driven welfare organization.
1998
Founded
Vision
A Congo where every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
Mission
To protect and improve the welfare of farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife across the Congo.
Core Values
Compassion
We treat every animal and every community member with empathy and respect.
Integrity
We hold ourselves accountable to the communities and animals we serve.
Community
Lasting change grows from partnership with the people who live alongside animals every day.
Empowerment
We equip local communities and young leaders with the tools to carry this work forward.
Leadership & Team
A dedicated team of local and international staff leading our programs across the Congo.
Amani Kazadi
Executive Director
Leads CAWI's strategy and partnerships, with two decades of experience in community-based conservation across the Congo Basin.
Furaha Bahati
Program Manager, Humane Education
Oversees the humane education curriculum and its rollout across partner schools nationwide.
Jonathan Marlowe
Program Manager, Wildlife Protection
Coordinates ranger partnerships and habitat-monitoring programs protecting the region's gorilla populations.
Emmanuel Mwenda
Program Manager, Farm Animal Welfare
Runs mobile veterinary clinics and humane-handling training for farming communities.
Patrice Ilunga
Program Manager, Animal Rescue
Leads the 24/7 emergency rescue team responding to wildlife and domestic animal emergencies.
Thomas Freeman
Program Manager, Companion Animals
Manages sterilization drives, vaccination campaigns, and the foster-to-adopt network in Kinshasa.
Timeline
Key milestones from our founding to today.
2005
First Sanctuary
CAWI opened its first farm animal sanctuary, offering care to rescued and surrendered livestock.
2012
Humane Ed Launched
The humane education curriculum launched in its first ten partner schools around Kinshasa.
2018
Wildlife Patrol Launched
CAWI began funding and equipping ranger patrols to protect critical gorilla habitat.