Coming to the end of a challenging year, we feel Friends of Hwange can count 2020 a success.
Our solar powered water pumps kept up a ceaseless water flow to all the pans which was critically important this year due to the extremely harsh conditions that were experienced after two years of devastating drought. An early belt of rain in October provided welcome relief and averted much animal suffering and many elephant casualties.
High accolade is due to Gary who continued his work unabated despite limited labour and many other challenges. Be it maintenance of the pans and firebreaks, an animal stuck in a muddy pan, visitors to the park with a car breakdown, requests from Park’s personnel for assistance or guides from the safari camps constantly stopping by in need of his advice, Gary never hesitates to help.
After several failed attempts to drill a second borehole to supply water to Kennedy 1 pan we have finally won – thanks to Chombe drilling for their perseverance and for the exceedingly generous rates they have afforded us for drilling at K1. In addition, we have funded another successful borehole at Masuma Dam which has long been the subject of some concern. These two new boreholes will be equipped with solar powered pumps early in 2021.
Provision of monthly ration packs for some 60 rangers in the Park has been ongoing since June and will be continued for some time to come. This does much to boost ranger morale. In addition, we have been able to keep the Main Camp Clinic stocked with essential medical supplies at a time when this is most needed.
A project to remove tons of copper phone wires left dangling on derelict poles in and around the Main Camp/Dete area was completed this year. This wire had the potential to yield thousands of lethal snares. Started by the CWF some time ago, high praise is due to Paul de Montille of D.A.R.T who with his team and many enthusiastic helpers picked up the reins to continue and complete the job. Funds were organized and provided by FOH in conjunction with SACT (Southern African Conservation Trust), SARF (Save African Rhino Foundation), The Educasa Foundation and Hwange Conservation Society UK. Our sincere thanks to all involved.
Friends of Hwange has continued to provide support for animal rescue work, protection of natural habitat, and conservation of birds. Why birds? They are the messengers that tell us about the health of our planet. All species of African vultures – nature’s clean-up crew – as well as three other iconic savannah raptors namely the Bateleur Eagle, Martial Eagle and Secretary Bird are now officially classified as globally threatened with extinction.
On a final uplifting note: We recently came upon Lesang – Cecil the Lion’s remaining male cub from his last litter. Now six years old, Lesang has banded together with four of Bhubezi the Lion’s yougsters. The five boys are currently occupying the area around Linkwasha and the Ngamo plain where Cecil grew to his famed magnificence. Dubbed “The Baggage Handlers” the following snippet is cause for a chuckle:
In August 2018, when the lions were still youngsters, they were loitering around the Linkwasha airstrip on the Wilderness concession. Being inquisitive and playful, the cats “stole” a bag that was in the open pod of an aeroplane that was parked on the airstrip. They proceeded with glee to distribute the contents of the bag all over the airfield. The bag belonged to a chef working at Linkwasha who had time off and was catching a flight out of camp. He had hidden some meat he had taken from the camp kitchen in his bag and the lions had sniffed it out and foiled his plans for dinner that night!
The eldest of the five male lions was named Lesang after the chef in memory of the incident, and the group of five males is now referred to as “The Baggage Handlers”. Long may they live and thrive.
Right: the two youngest “Baggage Handlers”
As always, we extend grateful thanks to ALL our loyal donors without whom none of this work is possible. Of particular mention is Frank Zindell representing the Educasa Foundation, facilitated by Stu and Sue Danks of Simply Africa. Educasa has provided huge support during a particularly stressful year.
All that remains is to wish everyone a safe, peaceful Christmas and health and happiness in 2021.
