Four Rhinos Handed Over to Conservancy

Source: The Herald

Date: 2 October 2006

Author: Zvamaida Murwira in Victoria Falls

[The] Government has handed over four rhinos to a private conservancy as efforts get underway to reintroduce the animal in this resort town to boost tourism.

The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Cde Francis Nhema, handed over the four rhinos to Rani Resorts, a private conservancy, in a move which sees the animal make a comeback after 20 years.

The development is expected to generate more foreign currency as tourists come to this resort town to view wildlife, which until recently had no rhinos.

"I would like to believe that Victoria Falls tourism will benefit significantly from this addition to our wildlife and will go a long way in supporting the national efforts to revive tourism in Zimbabwe," said Cde Nhema at brief ceremony.

"It has been 20 years now since there was any rhino in the Victoria Falls area and we hope this reintroduction is the beginning of a fruitful exercise to repopulate, not only this reserve, but also the greater Victoria Falls area."

The rhino joins the elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo to complete the "The Big Five" line up.

The transfer of custodianship to Rani Resort followed a due diligent study by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority to ascertain if the conservancy had adequate facilities for the habitation of rhinos.

"I am informed that this organisation was chosen for custodianship of these rhinos after careful ecological research and study of existing wildlife as well as security concerns," said Cde Nhema.

"I am happy to note that the general condition of wildlife here is healthy and that suggestions by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority's specialists were taken on board.

"I therefore would like to see this partnership between Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Victoria Falls Game Reserve continue and even include other endangered species."

Cde Nhema urged the tourism industry to assist the partnership to succeed.

"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders, tour operators and other industry players to give full support in the implementation of this project. The issue of security for these animals cannot be over-emphasised and as a ministry we would like to see all of you contributing towards their security as any losses will be ultimately your losses."

The minister commended owners of the conservancy for their long-term investment in the country's tourism sector.

Chairman of the conservancy, Mr Adel Aujan said Zimbabwe could now invite the world not only to see Victoria Falls but the Big Five wildlife animals. He said they were looking forward to introducing more animals in their conservancy.

Rani Resort director Mr Tirivanhu Mudariki urged tour operators to take the leading role in marketing the country's tourism and not just left it to the Government.

"Everyone is an ambassador of Zimbabwe, we will do our best to ensure the security of these rhinos are safeguarded," he said.

Parks and Wildlife Management Authority public relations manager Retired Major Edward Mbewe said the conferment of custody of rhinos to private players was one of strategies the authority introduced to enhance their breeding.

"We remain the owners of these rhinos and we will continue to give custody those people who demonstrate that they are capable of breeding them well, we look at security, fencing, feeding and other factors," said Rtd Maj Mbewe in an interview.

"The population of rhinos is outgrowing the areas they are living in, so we are identifying private players who can keep them well."

Matabeleland North Governor and Resident Minister Cde Thoko Mathuthu witnessed the ceremony.