IN a major step to restore one of the country’s key conservation areas, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), in partnership with the Matusadona Conservation Trust, has successfully relocated 74 large herbivores to Matusadona National Park.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo stated that the translocations, which occurred in July, saw 50 African buffalo and 10 common eland moved from Tsetse Island on Lake Kariba. An additional 14 sable antelope were relocated from the Sibilobilo Safari Area along the Zambezi River.
“The Authority is pleased to announce the completion of wildlife translocations,” Farawo said. He added that feasibility assessments were conducted before the operation to ensure the sustainable conservation of the species and long-term ecological balance.
Farawo explained that the operations represent a significant step in the ongoing restoration of Matusadona National Park and the wider Sebungwe region. Beyond simply boosting wildlife populations, the relocations will revive graze and browse dynamics, strengthen prey bases, and enhance overall ecosystem resilience.
The effort was supported by strong local leadership, as the Nyaminyami community recently ratified a Land Use Plan, which was approved by Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Daniel Garwe on July 29. This plan reinforces the long-term conservation vision for the Sebungwe region.
The delicate process of moving the animals was carried out by African Wildlife Management and Conservation (AWMC) and Wildlife Management Services International (WMSI), with assistance from Matusadona’s Conservation and Veterinarian Unit.
Farawo praised the high level of technical expertise and collaboration that ensured the animals’ safety throughout the operation. Funding for the project came from a network of local and international donors, including the Global Wildlife Fund.
Authorities see the relocation programme as a turning point for Matusadona, a wildlife sanctuary that has faced challenges over the years. This signals a renewed commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable conservation in Zimbabwe. —New Ziana
