The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has suggested that the recent deaths of wildlife around Lake Chivero and in the Mid-Zambezi region were caused by poisonous substances used in open-cast mining at Chinese-owned establishments.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, and livestock from nearby farms died after drinking water in Lake Chivero contaminated with cyanobacteria.
ZimParks also confirmed that nineteen hippos have mysteriously died over the past three months in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located in the Mid-Zambezi region.
Preliminary findings suggest that the hippos succumbed to malnutrition due to severe drought, as they were found to have travelled up to 10 kilometres from their usual habitat in search of food.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, CNRG indicated that the deaths occurring during the rainy season suggest the animals drank water contaminated by toxic chemicals used in mining. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) is deeply concerned about the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and Chirundu, located along the Zambezi Valley.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) issued on January 7th, these tragic deaths occurred over the past three months.
This follows closely on the heels of another environmental disaster at Lake Chivero, where both wildlife and aquatic life have been decimated due to severe pollution.
The sudden and significant loss of these hippos highlights potential underlying environmental issues, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, or the detrimental effects of human activities in the area.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger wildlife conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity.
In a broader context, CNRG is alarmed by the rapid growth of large-scale open-cast mining operations across Zimbabwe in the past five years, particularly those led by Chinese nationals collaborating with the country’s political elites.
These mining operations, which often completely disregard the rule of law, have raised serious concerns about their impact on local communities, the environment, and biodiversity.
A particularly controversial practice these operations employ is heap leaching, commonly used in gold recovery. This process involves treating gold ore with a dilute alkaline sodium cyanide solution.
While cost-effective for large-scale mining, heap leaching poses significant environmental and health risks.
The toxic chemicals used in the process can easily contaminate water sources and soil, leading to long-term ecological damage and harm to local populations.
It is no coincidence that the deaths of white rhinoceros and fish at Lake Chivero and the hippos in the Zambezi Valley occur during the rainy season.
The rains wash the poorly disposed cyanide into surface runoff, contaminating rivers and dams. The threat to humans is extremely high.
The expansion of destructive mining activities reflects deteriorating governance standards within Zimbabwe’s resource sector, often prioritizing short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.
This growing disregard for environmental laws is alarming, especially when coupled with the lack of meaningful oversight from the relevant authorities.
One of the most concerning examples of this is the case of Sino Africa Huijin, a Chinese mining syndicate operating at Premier Estate in Old Mutare.
In 2023, CNRG petitioned Parliament regarding the pollution of the Mutare River—a vital tributary of the Odzi River- caused by heap leaching techniques at this site.
Despite extensive oral evidence hearings involving CNRG, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Mines, which were concluded in May 2024, Parliament has yet to take any action.
The lack of a site visit to Premier Estate and the failure to address the petition has led to increasing frustration among local communities, environmental groups, and concerned citizens.
This ongoing inaction by Parliament is not only undermining public trust in governmental institutions, but it also signals a worrying indifference to the environmental and social consequences of unchecked mining activities.
<ul>
<li>CNRG calls for a thorough investigation into the cause of the deaths of hippos to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the remaining wildlife and prevent further losses.</li>
<li>Parliament should conduct an urgent site visit to Premier Estate, and take prompt, decisive action to address the violations raised in the petition. It is crucial that the concerns of local populations are taken seriously, and that Zimbabwe’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.</li>
<li>We urge Parliament to take immediate and decisive action to address the devastating environmental impact of mining activities across the country. The alarming rate of environmental degradation and pollution caused by these activities demands swift attention and effective mitigation measures.</li>
</ul>
CNRG remains committed to advocating for stronger environmental protections and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the degradation of the country’s ecosystems.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The CNRG thinks that wildlife died in Lake Chivero and Mid-Zambezi because of chemicals from mining. The rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, fish eagles, and hippos died. CNRG wants to investigate why the animals died and how to protect the remaining wildlife. The chemicals from mining can hurt the environment, water, and animals. CNRG wants the government to take action to stop this damage from happening. They want to protect the environment for future generations. Wildlife and the environment are important and need to be taken care of.

CNRG Blames Mining Chemicals For Lake Chivero And Mid-Zambezi Wildlife Deaths

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMPARKS) has urged visitors to Parks Estates to follow established rules and regulations to ensure their safety and the preservation of wildlife.
This appeal comes after a 23-year-old man was killed and eaten by two crocodiles while illegally fishing at night in Gonarezhou National Park.
In another tragic incident, an 18-year-old boy drowned in Matobo National Park while swimming in prohibited waters.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 19, ZIMPARKS spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the importance of adhering to the strictly designated park visiting hours from 6 AM to 6 PM. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We wish to remind all visitors into Parks Estates of the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations established to preserve the safety of both individuals and wildlife within our estates.
Recent events highlighted the dangers associated with illegal night fishing when a 23 -year-old man lost his life in Gonarezhou National Park after being attacked by two crocodiles and his remains were to be removed from the bellies of the reptiles.
Another sad incident was an 18-year-old boy who drowned in Matobo National Park whilst illegally swimming in prohibited waters.
Our condolences to the bereaved families. May their souls rest in peace.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the risks associated with failure to follow laid down rules and regulations within the parks estates.
We urge members of the public to adhere to the strictly designated park visiting hours (6am – 6pm).
Always follow the rules and regulations and familiarize yourself with the wildlife present in the area in order to understand the potential dangers they pose.
Our staff is dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone during this festive season.
If you witness any unsafe activities or have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact our officers immediately.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMPARKS has asked visitors to follow rules at Parks Estates to stay safe and protect wildlife. A man was eaten by two crocodiles while illegally fishing at night in Gonarezhou National Park. An 18-year-old boy also drowned in Matobo National Park while swimming in a banned area. ZIMPARKS stressed the importance of following park rules, visiting only from 6 AM to 6 PM. They reminded visitors to be aware of wildlife dangers and report unsafe activities. The incidents show the risks of not obeying park rules. Staff aim to keep the parks safe for all visitors during the holiday season.

ZIMPARKS Urges Visitors To Follow Rules After Fatal Crocodile Attack And Drowning

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has recorded a slight decrease in the number of people killed by wild animals since last year, reported the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200009926/human-wildlife-conflicts-rise-in-hwange">Southern Eye</a>.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said that 15 people were killed by wild animals during the first quarter of 2023 compared to 22 killed during the same period last year. Said Farawo:
<blockquote>
We have noticed a slight decrease in the number of people who have been killed by wild animals since last year.
Last year, we lost about 22 lives in the first quarter compared to 15 during the same period this year.
</blockquote>
ZimParks said it trans-located 150 elephants in Hwange in the first quarter of 2023, the same as last year, as a way of dealing with overpopulation.
According <a href="https://bmcecol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12898-020-00319-1#:~:text=The%20cause%20of%20human%20wildlife,and%20deforestation%20in%20national%20park.">to a study</a>, the root causes of human–wildlife conflicts include agricultural expansion (30%), human settlement (24%), overgrazing by livestock (14%), deforestation (18%), illegal grass collection (10%) and poaching (4%).
An international ban on the trade in wildlife products and species has been blamed for an increase in the elephant population in Hwange National Park.
According to ZimParks, the elephant population in the game park is more than 50 000, far beyond its holding capacity of at least 15 000.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Number Of People Killed By Wild Animals Falls

An unknown woman was trampled to death by an elephant before her remains were devoured by hyenas on Nyakasanga Bridge on Wednesday, police have said.
According to a statement issued by the police, the woman’s remains were found scattered at the 321 km peg along Harare–Chirundu Road.
Police are now appealing for information that may lead to the identification of the woman. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist in the identification of a female adult who is suspected to have been attacked to death by an lephant before her body was devoured by hyenas on 07/12/22 at Nyakasanga Bridge at the 321 km peg along Harare–Chirundu Road.
The victim’s body parts were found scattered at the scene. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police station.
</blockquote>
Cases of human-wildlife conflict have been on the rise in recent years and this year alone, as of August 2022, 46 Zimbabwean lives had been lost to human-wildlife conflict.
Last month the government said it will establish a fund that will be used to compensate people who will have been attacked by wild animals.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund for Victims in Zimbabwe will cover death, maiming, and injuries.

Woman Trampled To Death By An Elephant And Devoured By Hyenas

The government says it will establish a fund that will be used to compensate people who will have been attacked by wild animals.
The Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund for Victims in Zimbabwe will cover death, maiming, and injuries.
Addressing reporters following a cabinet meeting in Harare on Tuesday, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa attributed cases of human-wildlife conflict to competition for limited resources between humans and animals. She said:
This year alone, as of August 2022, 46 Zimbabwean lives have been lost to human-wildlife conflict.
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With the most affected being Mashonaland West where 19 people were killed, mostly in Kariba.
Regionally, Zimbabwe has the highest number of deaths from human-wildlife conflict.
Accordingly, the government has adopted the establishment of a relief fund to cushion the victims of human-wildlife conflict by way of funeral assistance and an amount paid towards hospitalisation and treatment with a set limit.
The payments will cover three categories, namely death, maiming and injuries. A specialised human-wildlife conflict unit will be established under the department of parks and wildlife.
Mutsvangwa said in 1980, Zimbabwe had an elephant population of 50,000, while the human population was 7.4 million.
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The elephant population has grown to more than 85,000 and the human population has more than doubled to 15 million. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
The consequent competition for limited resources often results in wildlife attacks on humans, especially in communal areas and towns that are close to national parks, safaris, forests and other protected areas.
Consequently, people living adjacent to wildlife areas are always in danger of being attacked by animals, and it has been established that the frequency of such attacks is increasing.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa said the fund shall be self-financing, with proceeds expected to come from hunting revenues. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/11/wildlife-victims-to-be-compensated-under-human-wildlife-conflict-fund/">ZimLive</a>

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