Save Hwange Appeal set up!

Source: The Zimbabwe Situation

Date: 10/12/2005

Author: Anon

The Trust was set up in response to the crisis in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It has no political or national affiliations, but is a purely humanitarian response to an intolerable situation which had developed in the park because of drought and the lack of funds, fuel and water.

During a recent recce trip to Hwange by Don Pinnock of Getaway and Brett McDonald of Flame Lily Holidays, it became clear that an ecological crisis was in the making. There were way too many elephants for the available water supply and not enough food. Trees were chewed to stumps and thirsty animals were snuffling at the end of dry water pipes. All animals and plants were suffering and there were many reports of deaths.

The problem was lack of fuel in Zimbabwe and an elephant population of around 30 000 animals - way too many for the 14 600km2 park. Funds were not available as Hwange is not supported from the Zimbabwean treasury but is expected to survive on tourism alone. Visitors, however, are afraid to travel to and in the park, partly because of the Zimbabwe's political profile and mainly because of the fuel shortages. Park officials also can't get fuel to do antipoaching patrols or run the pumps that supply animals with water. As tourism and water in the central park declined, animals migrated to the hunting concessions to their detriment.

A rescue plan was worked out on the spot during the recce, but needed the support of concerned parties and sponsors. Mitsubishi Fuso offered to supply a vehicle, Caltex agreed to provide diesel from its Hwange bowsers and Flame Lily organised to deliver the fuel and oversee the maintenance of the pumps.

We are presently trying to raise funds to put a tank and winches on the vehicle as well as to purchase spares for the mainly Lister pumps.

Any contributions of equipment or funds would be gratefully accepted. The Save Hwange bank account is at First national in Sea Point, Branch number 201809, account number 6209 3759 086. If you're interested in being part of the Save Hwange Campaign contact South Africa 0861-312-312. Getaway will be providing updates on the rescue plan as it develops.

Trustees
Dr Don Pinnock - Associate Editor of Getaway magazine.
Brett McDonald - Director of Flame Lily Holidays.
Andrew Muir - Director of the World Wilderness Foundation.

Sponsors
Getaway
Caltex
Flame Lily Holidays
Mitsubishi Fuso