ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE
25th April 2009
FUNDRAISING
Since the inauguration of our new Government of National Unity, contrary to what we expected, we are receiving more and more requests for assistance in raising funds to try and preserve the wildlife. We know that a lot of people around the world are finding life a lot more difficult now with the world-wide recession so we are reluctant to ask for help but if anyone is in a position to assist with funds for any of the following projects, we would be extremely grateful.
CAPTURE OF WILD ELEPHANTS
We have just circulated a report from the ZNSPCA regarding the capture of 10 wild elephants from the Matabeleland area in Zimbabwe. The elephants have apparently been bought by Basil Steyn, part owner of «Elephant Experience» in Victoria Falls and it is alleged that Chengeta Safaris near Harare intend to purchase 5 of them from Mr Steyn.
The ZNSPCA found the elephants on Sondelani Ranch in West Nicholson, which belongs to Basil Steyn. They are chained up in a metal boma with no shade or shelter and are only released for training.
The Director General of National Parks assured the ZNSPCA that they have not issued a permit for the capture of the elephants but it is common knowledge that it is not possible to capture any animal in Zimbabwe without their approval.
Karen Trendler of South Africa has agreed to come to Zimbabwe to inspect the elephants providing the ZNSPCA can pay for her trip and they have requested our assistance in raising funds for this. If anyone is able to help, it would be greatly appreciated.
ELEPHANTS IN MUTARE
We are receiving an increasing number of reports about wild animals being seen in urban areas, possibly because humans are encroaching more and more into areas previously reserved for wildlife resulting in the destruction of their habitat.
For the past few months, people have been reporting seeing leopards and servals in the Greystone Park area of Harare but nobody seems overly concerned about it because they feel this might account for the low crime rate in the area. However, we were asked for assistance recently because a Greystone Park resident woke up one morning to discover that all that remained of his Boerbull, was his head and hind leg. We called in the wildlife vets, Keith Dultow and Lisa Marabini to examine the evidence and they confirmed that the dog was killed by a leopard. The resident’s wife claims she has also seen a small leopard on her property so it is possible that the offending leopard has a cub.We have set a number of traps around the area to try and catch the leopards so they can be released into a wildlife area.
We have been asked to assist with the relocation of 3 elephants who have taken to wandering through the City of Mutare. National Parks wanted to shoot the elephants before they kill somebody but the ZNSPCA has managed to obtain a permit to relocate them instead. The problem is funding for the relocation. National Parks won’t wait for much longer before destroying the elephants so we need to raise funds urgently for this.
FENCING FOR IMIRE
Imire Safari Ranch is one of the few private game ranches left and they are desperately in need of new game fencing, especially in view of the fact that they have 4 black rhinos there. They are losing animals every week to poachers and it is very important that their fencing is renewed but again, funding is the problem.
If anyone can help with any of these problems, please contact us – contact details below.
Johnny Rodrigues
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Landline: 263 4 336710
Landline/Fax: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: galorand@mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
El Noticiero de Alvarez Galloso 