THE tragic loss of 19 hippos along the Zambezi River has sparked concern about its impact on tourism in the region, which heavily relies on its vibrant wildlife.
Over the past three months, 18 hippos were found dead in the Sapi Safari area, while one was discovered in Chirundu.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the deaths, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding them.
“The authority is saddened to report the deaths of these hippos, and we are currently conducting investigations with various partners,” he said.
Farawo, however, added that the health and safety of wildlife in Zimbabwe is their top priority and they remained committed to providing updates as new information becomes available.
In an interview yesterday, Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba co-ordinator Cephas Shonhiwa expressed deep concern over the hippos’ death.
Keep Reading
“The death of these hippos is a significant blow to our tourism industry,” he said.
“Tourists come here to witness the incredible wildlife and the loss of such iconic aquatic species may affect the destination.
“We must address the environmental issues that are leading to these tragic events.”
He also revealed that ZimParks ecologists and relevant authorities are conducting investigations to ascertain the cause of death, adding that there was a need for swift research to avoid further losses.
“We cannot afford to lose our natural heritage. It is our responsibility to ensure that our wildlife thrives for future generations and for the continued success of our tourism sector,” he said.
The hippos’ deaths came a few weeks after ZimParks reported the death of four rhinos at Lake Chivero Recreational Park due to contaminated water flowing into the water body.
Environmental Management Agency spokesperson Amkela Sidange revealed that approximately 415 megalitres of untreated sewage are discharged into the environment daily, raising further alarm about the state of wildlife habitats.