Friends all over the world respond to elephant poisoning in Zimbabwe

The Trustees of Friends of Hwange Trust, and indeed friends all over the world, are very sad about the recent cyanide poisoning of the elephants and other animals and birds in Hwange National Park in

The Trustees of Friends of Hwange Trust, and indeed friends all over the world, are very sad about the recent cyanide poisoning of the elephants and other animals and birds in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is, however, very encouraging to see that the authorities have responded in a manner befitting of such a despicable atrocity and are leaving no stone unturned to get to the bottom of it. They are also doing their best to make sure all the culprits are identified and dealt with accordingly as well as ensuring that this type of thing never happens again.

It is heartening to see the outrage from people all over the world and even more so that many Zimbabweans are truly shocked and motivated to help. Unfortunately there are many unsubstantiated and exaggerated reports going around which are causing alarm and despondency and do nothing to improve the situation. They only make it worse as potential visitors may get discouraged and make alternative plans thus reducing income into the park and the country as a whole. As you can imagine it is difficult to ascertain the full extent of animals killed but recent reports believe the number to be in region of about 100 elephants confirmed dead and possibly more. Sadly a number of other animals and birds have also perished including many vultures which is an ecological disaster.

The good news is that not only are the authorities taking this very seriously but they have been successful in apprehending and convicting a number of the poachers. Jail sentences are very severe and are in the region of 15 years. Heavy fines are also being applied. Even more encouraging is the fact that certain middlemen and corrupt officials are being named and brought to book. Information is being accumulated leading higher up the chain to the “dealers” behind the illegal trade. Further good news is that the Minister has set up a Trust of non-political persons to look into the management of the park and its requirements. A number of new vehicles have been deployed which will help considerably.

The efforts by the Government are not confined to Hwange National Park as anti-poaching activities are increasing throughout the country. A major breakthrough, and even more rewarding, is that the legal system is supporting the drive and handing out penalties that should discourage would be poachers and dealers to engage in this trade. This support from the judiciary is essential and sets and example to the rest of Africa. Recently a poacher caught with a pangolin received a sentence of 9 years!

An additional solution that may help, still to be discussed with the authorities, could be to appoint private people working in the area as “Honorary Wardens” which would give them the authority to apprehend and apply the law. Another is to allow “volunteers” to set up base close to the Park boundaries thereby increasing a presence in the area.

In the meantime the Friends of Hwange work goes on within the Park ensuring as many boreholes as possible are working and providing water into the pans. It is very hot and dry at the moment and game viewing is excellent as the ground cover is sparse and the animals are concentrated around the waterholes. We look forward to the rains which will hopefully give us all time to regroup and plan for the next year. Our vehicle needs much maintenance and repair as it is now falling apart after all the hard work this dry season. The rains will provide much needed water and give us the opportunity to service and recondition engines and pumps and replace borehole pipes some of which are more than 50 years old. The tractor will get busy repairing erosion around the troughs and fixing the roads.

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Awatar Lindy Hohnholz

Lindę Hohnholz

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