Poachers kill three lions in Hwange National Park

BY STAFF REPORTER 

A suspected poaching incident has occurred in Hwange National Park, where three lions were found dead with their heads and legs chopped off.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is investigating the killing of the lions at Nyamandlovu pan, Hwange Main Camp.

According to an internal memo, three carcasses were discovered on Tuesday with their heads and legs chopped off, and bullet holes from a heavy calibre rifle were found on the carcasses.

The incident is currently under investigation by the K9 section.

The Hwange National Park, home to over 60 000 elephants, 150 other mammal species, and 400 bird species, is a country’s crucial area for wildlife conservation.

Conservationists say the park’s lion population is already under threat, and this incident only adds to the concern.

The Hwange Lion Research Project, run by the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit of Oxford University, has been monitoring the lion population for 15 years.

The project focuses on understanding lion behavior, ecology, and demographics to inform conservation strategies. Additionally, the SATIB Conservation Trust supports the project through funding and material support.