On the 2nd of August 2015 the Ministry of Environment imposed a temporary suspension of lion, leopard and elephant hunting in Zimbabwe. The goal was to gain clarity and understand the positions of stakeholders positions following the recent allegedly illegal killing of two lions near Hwange National Park.
We are pleased to inform you that, following some useful discussion between operators and the relevant Zimbabwean authorities, the suspension has now been uplifted throughout the country with the exceptions of Antoinette and Antoinette Farm, Railway Farm 31 and Umuguza and Kusile Rural District Council properties where all sport hunting has been suspended pending the outcome of court processes.
This incident has highlighted the needed reforms agreed by all stakeholders at the Hunting Workshop held eight days prior to the killing of Cecil.
There are some conditions that have to be met at this time:
- Some additional regulations and paperwork have been introduced to reinforce accountability of operators to the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
- Lion, leopard and elephant hunts will be compulsorily attended by a member of the Authority at the expense of the landowner.
- No further hunting of collared iconic animals will be allowed.
- Individuals involved in illegal hunting activities will be banned from hunting in Zimbabwe for life.
ZPHGA would like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for the efficient manner in which they evaluated the situation, consulted with stakeholders and for considering and adapting the proposals put forward.
We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused to fellow hunters in Zimbabwe at this time and for those that are scheduled to visit in 2015.
ZPHGA would further like to thank those who have supported Zimbabwe in the past and those who are prepared to continue to do so.
