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One year later, cheetahs born in Canada thrive on Zimbabwe reserve

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BY GENEVIEVE BEAUCHEMIN

A year after being transferred to a reserve in Zimbabwe, two cheetahs born in captivity in Canada are faring well in the wild.

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Kumbe and Jabari were born in Quebec’s Parc Safari as part of a Pan-American program to breed cheetahs, whose numbers are dwindling in the wild. The two brothers were their family’s sixth generation born in captivity, but the first born in Quebec.

The cheetahs’ journey to Africa last February was a challenge for the animals, who left Montreal where it was -23 C, and arrived in Zimbabwe where it was 25 C.

“The biggest adjustment for them was the weather to shed that winter coat and get used to the African sun,” Parc Safari zoologist Nathalie Santerre told CTV National News.

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Once they arrived, they had to undergo two months in quarantine before they could be released into the nature reserve.

But even after a challenging transition, rangers at the Imire reserve who were tracking Kumbe and Jabari with collars said the two young cheetahs began to hunt normally within hours of being released.

“The incredible thing is the instinct of these animals. Their instinct is so deeply ingrained in them,” said Reilly Travers, a conservationist at Imire. “It just comes naturally.”

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One year later, the cheetahs have had plenty of practice hunting at Imire, honing their skills on zebras and impalas. Rangers said Kumbe and Jabari are now just as muscular as cheetahs born in the wild.

The next challenge for the cheetahs will be mating in the wild. Santerre said the two brothers are showing signs of sexual maturity, and conservationists are preparing to introduce female cheetahs into the mix within the next year or two, hoping that the brothers’ unique genes – due to being bred in captivity — will help diversify the gene pool of cubs born on the reserve in Zimbabwe.

“Their Canadian background will always be there, but that is past,” said Santerre. “Moving forward they are African cheetahs and they are doing well, and we are very proud of them.”           – CTV NATIONAL NEWS

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

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The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

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Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

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Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

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According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

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To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

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According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

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ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

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As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.

 

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