The Opinions expressed are those of the ZCTF in Zimbabwe

5th April 2009

POACHING CONTINUES TO ESCALATE

We haven’t sent out a report for some time because with the formation of our new Government of National Unity, we hoped that if we waited, we would have had the pleasure of reporting an improvement in the poaching situation.

Unfortunately however, it seems that the same people who were previously the guardians of the wildlife, have remained in the same position so although there have been some positive changes in some areas of Zimbabwean life, the wildlife does not appear to be enjoying any benefits.

This year, we have lost 15 rhino and according to reports received, some poachers are now using a dart gun to drug the rhinos.

They are apparently removing the horn whilst the animal is unconscious but still alive. The drug is believed to be of Chinese origin.

HUNTING IN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Cape to Cairo Safaris, an American based company is advertizing an elephant hunt inside Hwange National Park. They claim to have 50 elephants on quota in the park for culling and they are offering their hunters the opportunity to harvest some of the larger tusk elephants.

The host and head Professional Hunter is Willem van der Merwe. They say the proceeds will go to the Parks Board. If anyone would like to see this advertisement, please email us or go into the Cape to Cairo website – www.Capetorcairosafari.com.

This is extremely disheartening when we try so hard to raise funds to preserve the animals. We have recently received a report from Kalomo in Zambia which states that they have had a sudden increase in their elephant population of 350 – 400 and they believe the elephants have crossed over to Zambia from Hwange, possibly in an attempt to evade the hunters.

FEEDING THE CROCS IN CHARARA

Over the past year or so, there has been a huge outcry from the public because National Parks have been shooting the elephants there to feed the crocodiles in their crocodile farm. We were informed recently that they are no longer shooting the elephants which is good news, but they are now shooting the hippos to feed the crocs.