ZCTF Report 11.02.10 – Nov 2010

Pete was apparently taking a shower when the lions attacked him. This follows closely on the heels of the deaths of Don Hornsby by an elephant in Matusadona and Steve Kok by a buffalo in Charara.

This recent trend of people being killed by wild animals is extremely disturbing and we would like to appeal to everyone to be vigilant when in a wildlife area. Wild animals are very dangerous and even more so now that they are traumatized because of the poaching and illegal hunting.

Our sincere condolences to Pete’s wife, Liz and family on their tragic loss.

Sharon Pincott evicted from Hwange Safari Lodge

For those of you who have been asking about whats happened to Sharon Pincott – who has worked on a full-time voluntary basis for the past 10 years with the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe – you can take this internet link: http://www.getaway.co.za/article/dancing-giraffes-big-tuskers#comments. Sharon wrote in one of her recent Getaway magazine articles (as Getaways Elephant Ambassador in Africa): Frequently, these days, Im asked why my focus changed from conservation to tourism. In fact my focus hasnt altered at all; its merely broadened. Ive come to believe the return of the tourists is crucial to the preservation of Zimbabwes wildlife, including its flagship herd of elephants. Creating awareness and encouraging tourism therefore, is a key part of the ongoing wildlife conservation battle. For those with no internet access, this below is the comment more recently posted by her at the above link, in response to other comments posted there:

Sharon Pincott Said:

FROM SHARON PINCOTT: Thankyou everyone for kind comments and many emails. Ill respond individually soon. For now, if you can, please postpone your elephant bookings until I have a clearer way forward. Yes, it is true that African Suns Hwange Safari Lodge has evicted me from my accommodation (apparently now also trying to ensure that its difficult for me to live elsewhere in Hwange) – but Im not deterred. African Sun/Hwange Safari Lodge do not own Zimbabwes free-roaming flagship herd of elephants! Their demands to me in writing – to service only their interests, with no contact whatsoever with any of their competitors in the tourism industry in return for tiny rondavel accommodation (including a newly introduced 30-day-notice clause on this accommodation at their discretion, with a reduction in email access to boot) – was indeed surprising, and something that I couldnt, in good faith, agree to. Obviously, there are other Hwange lodges/operators who do game-drives amongst the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe, and who host them on their own land and at their own waterholes. The increased publicity that Ive been generating of late including the commissioned international television documentary (on my daily conservation work and close relationship with these elephants, and my intimate understanding of their family lives etc), currently put on hold by me – should benefit Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwes elephants; not merely one lodge. Its clearly in the elephants best interests for ALL those who are situated within the key home-range of the Presidential Elephants to be able to share in my knowledge and concern for them, and my (unpaid, and largely unfunded) daily work with them, if they choose. Im in discussion with various officials, to see how this might now best be achieved for the benefit of all. It may take some time. Please bear with me. Thanks again for your kind support, Sharon. On: 01 Nov 10 – 8:35

THANK YOU

A very big thank you to the following people who have assisted us with funds recently:

John & Helen Buckle

Charlie Thompson

Hugh Atkinson

Phillip Gallagher

Dorian Richardson

Samantha Roe

Rose-Marie Pile

Amanda Barrow

Pearl & Iain MacCallum

Tim & Lesley Covour

Lu Brough

Johnny Rodrigues

Temporary website: www.zctfofficialsite.org.

The Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force relies soley on public donations. Your donation can help to preserve the wildlife in Zimbabwe. If you would like to assist, please contact us.