The Elephants of the Zambezi Valley

For your interest, please read our dear friend and colleague, Eddie Mudzimu’s wonderful piece about elephants, ancestry and the Zambezi Valley. 

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The Elephants of the Zambezi Valley

By Edmond Mudzimu, Manager Ruckomechi Camp, Wilderness Safaris

The elephants of the Zambezi Valley have and will always be part of my life; I was born and raised in Kariba, a place that even today has elephants roaming the streets and now, finding myself working in the Zambezi Valley, makes me feel that I am a perfect custodian of each and every elephant that we have here. My ancestors lived on the present-day Mana Pools Heritage site where my father was born. 

Every bit of game in these environs is surely my inheritance, passed on by the generations that came before mine.

Every living elephant is very much part of me and as a manager at a safari camp in the Mana Pools area, there is no greater joy for me as I see herds of these gentle giants quietly making their way through our camp on their way to the river for a drink or a swim. During my day-to day-work activities, I am privileged to come into occasional contact with these magnificent animals. It will be so sad to be the generation that did nothing but just watch as numbers continued to dwindle. As an inheritance from a long-gone generation our role is to protect them and pass them to future generations as their legacy.

My heart grieves and bleeds for each elephant that we cannot account for every season, as I have come to know most of these animals either by name or a visible mark on its body. The saddest part is not knowing what could have befallen them. Elephants are so smart and intelligent: they know their way around camps and where to find those juicy Ana Pods. Mixing and mingling with them on a daily basis has made me an activist for elephants. The guides, rangers and anti-poaching units in the valley deserve a special mention for their tireless efforts in keeping safe each and every one of these exceptional pachyderms.

““A lot of effort is really needed and it can never be a one-man effort but very much a combined effort involving many hands.””

It is beyond our wildest imaginations that we may lose these massive creatures. I live and dream elephants every day and so will do pretty much whatever it takes to protect and preserve them. I can’t help smiling at every elephant I see every time. No matter what elephants are doing, they are just a marvel and a wonder. If everyone could have a like mind to know that these animals have more value for us alive than dead, and hence the need to look after them. Many efforts are needed and from every corner and as the guides in camp, ours is a huge task to keep a close eye on all of them. Elephants go through emotions just like human beings, so the best thing is to put yourself in their shoes and imagine how it feels to lose a family member.

““It is a solemn pledge from people like me and the guides that we will forever be vigilant for the protection of our elephants.””

Joining Forces to Protect the World’s Second Largest Elephant Population

As the Zambezi Elephant Fund Coordinator I’m pleased to bring you this update of our achievements and plans going forward. 

The Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF) has been doing what it can to make a difference for two years now and the good news is that collaboration in the valley, which the Zambezi Elephant Fund is an integral part of, is growing in effectiveness – significantly poaching numbers are down on the same time last year.The Zambezi Elephant Fund has recently dispensed modest grants to its main implementing partners namely The Zambezi Society, Flying for Wildlife, Bushlife (anti-poaching) Support Unit, The Tashinga Initiative, Matusadona Anti-Poaching and Kariba Animal Welfare Trust. All of these on-the-ground partners also fund-raise independently but sometimes find this process difficult and time consuming. ZEF would like to be able to channel more support to these important “pockets of passion”.

The anti-poaching reaction ranger base, Zambezi Valley Anti-poaching Reaction Unit – ZAVARU, is now complete. This was co-funded by the Tashinga Initiative and the Zambezi Elephant Fund. Besides its operational value, it is a terrific morale booster for the rangers and a known deterrent for poachers. (Implemented by the Tashinga Initiative).

Several tented pickets/fly camps are in position at rainy season hot spots with a vehicle and driver at each to support rangers. (Implemented by Bushlife Support Unit).

Weapon refresher courses have been run at three Park’s stations across the Valley. Shooting skills have measurably improved, individual confidence levels are boosted and team moral uplifted. (Implemented by the Zambezi Society).

A month ago, the above initiatives converged underthe leadership of Zimbabwe Parks in a successful contact with Zambian poachers – one Zambian poacher died in the incident. 

We are continuing with our work to fund critical needs, e.g. rations for rangers in the Lower Zambezi Valley (Mana and Marongora in conjunction with Bushlife Support Unit) and food and materials for provincial meetings between parks and valley stakeholders, including an upcoming community.

Anti-poaching access tracks were opened, prior to the onset of the rains, within Mana Pools and to the southern boundary. The latter has reduced deployment time to the remote southern boundary from 11 hours to 3. (Implemented by Bushlife Support Unit).

Pre-rainy season aerial surveys were undertaken, giving the four Area Managers valuable information and visual understanding to assist them with decision making ahead of the peak poaching period. Now that the rainy season is at an end, the program will recommence within the next two weeks from time of writing. (Implemented by Flying for Wildlife).

ZEF is urgently working to find donor support for an anti-poaching patrol boat for the Zambezi River. A common vision and strategy with which to work together was agreed on after a very successful early March Cross-Border Collaborative Workshop, held at Chirundu (Zambian/Zimbabwe border post on the Zambezi River) between Zimbabwe Parks, conservation organizations and stakeholders and Zambia Parks conservation organizations and stakeholders.

ZEF, together with Community-Based Conservation, Chief Chundu, the local community and other stakeholders are currently developing a model for community-inclusive conservation efforts, which also addresses their needs.

ZEF is channelling funds to The Tashinga Initiative to equip a new data-collection base at the Regional Zimbabwe Parks Office for the Lower Zambezi Valley, which is based in Chinhoyi.

Your support has enabled a unique collaboration of skill sets, capabilities and resources to converge in supporting the Park’s rangers and their leaders. The courage and dogged determination of these men and women has resulted in fewer elephant being killed. As a consequence the many family units of these truly amazing creatures are blissfully unaware of “what might have been” had they lost their matriarch.Please also consider this challenge from Richard Branson and ZEF in your next round of giving.We still have so much to do and can only continue achieving our goals with your help.

With thanks,

Richard Maasdorp
Zambezi Elephant Fund Coordinator

WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR WILDLIFE IN 2016?

For just over a year now, the Zambezi Elephant Fund has been operational and fully supported by safari friends, government organisations, fellow conservation groups both in Zimbabwe and abroad, parks authority, Mana Pools operators, photographers and valley visitors.

If you are inspired by the great and tireless work that various collaborating organisations are doing to help save the elephants in Zimbabwe, we hope you’ll also think about supporting these efforts. We think you’ll agree that the formation of the collaborative Zambezi Elephant Fund has raised awareness levels of poaching in the Zambezi Valley and is helping to bring together the many individuals and organisations that are working tirelessly to put a stop to the bloodshed.

Funding from individuals like you has already helped with the implementation of a rangers’ base station at Nyakasikana Gate at Mana Pools… a report from the Tashinga Initiative Trust, which has been instrumental in the implementation, follows.

“Very good progress is being made with the Nyakasikana Gate Anti-poaching Base Project, currently being built by a collaborative effort of stakeholder safari operators and NGOs operating in Lower Zambezi Valley and the kind funding/donations of our supporters. The container has arrived on site, and is situated for its role at the base as a main storeroom. Sincere thanks to Carguard for sponsoring the fitting out of the container – looking excellent!"

“Sincere thanks to Bushlife Safaris and colleagues for its facilitation and networking, resulting in donated sand, and to Dave England for his truck, to Alaska Dolomite for excellent low prices for the stone and its donation of sand fill. Thanks to Andries Scholtz for the use of his two trailers. Thanks to Bushlife Safaris for the 400kg donation of mealie meal to rangers currently based at the gate, and on call 24 hours a day.”  

"Potable water is in place and is stored in two large tanks on stands; the container fitted out as a storeroom is also in place on a slab; slabs for ablution blocks and a kitchen have been laid and are ready to receive the Chromadek Z-Imba buildings; trenching is speeding ahead as a result of torrential rain falling at the same time as the digging; the Rukomechie river is flowing strongly, bank to bank, there are lions in camp, and elephant at the shower!"

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Today, we’re asking you to make a contribution towards the completion of this worthy project, which will ensure that anti-poaching rangers have a comfortable and well-located base from which to deploy. The Zambezi Elephant Fund, working in collaboration with Tashinga Initiative Trust, requires another USD30,000 to finalise the Nyakasikana Anti-poaching Base. Every USD100 helps! Please donate here.

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VOLUNTEERS IN THE VALLEY

A group of private individuals, many of whom have safari backgrounds, have joined forces to go into the valley on a voluntary and rotational basis, primarily to deploy and support anti-poaching teams/rangers. They use their own time (4/5 days in each time, sometimes once or twice a month) and resources, including vehicles, to do this important work on the ground – and would be grateful for any help towards the purchase/sponsorship of a new or second-hand 4×4 vehicle. If you are able to help in any way, please get hold of us!

“If you’re interested in doing more for the Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF), we are able to provide you with information and ideas on how to set up your own ZEF fundraising efforts.”

By becoming a fundraising partner of the Zambezi Elephant Fund you will play an important part in ensuring the future of these incredible creatures.
Get colleagues, friends and family in on the act, too!

Some ideas include holding a fun run, football match, golf day or cycle race, hosting a coffee morning, quiz night, auction event, film evening or clothes swapping party.

We can provide you with a brochure and donation forms. You will be acknowledged on our Conservation Partners page – and your efforts, if you wish, featured in future Zambezi Elephant Fund newsletters.

Please help spread the word and the efforts! 
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can become a ZEF partner fundraiser, please write to info@zambezielephantfund.org.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Spread the word.

Send this newsletter to your colleagues, friends and family, so they can sign up for future ZEF newsletters and keep up to date with anti-poaching efforts.

Book a safari for 2017.

Join John Stevens on the trip of a lifetime to “Meet the Elephants of the Zambezi Valley”. Please contact Laura or Nicci and we’ll be happy to put it together. Proceeds from this safari will go towards the Zambezi Elephant Fund. We’ll be covering this exciting trip in more detail in our next newsletter.

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Cocktails, Canapés and Conservation

When John and Nicci Stevens decided to take the Zambezi Elephant Fund’s urgent cry for anti-poaching help to America in September 2016, they were not prepared for the incredible support and encouragement they received along the way, from their generous hosts to guests and other well-wishes. 

Their itinerary took them from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Brooklyn, New York, from private homes to an old school house, art gallery and museum. John presented a well-prepared talk with beautifully shot photographs, which each contributed in their way to showcasing the magnificence of elephants in stark contrast to the alarming state of affairs in which they find themselves in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however, as John peppered the talk with fascinating stories and sound effects. The audience wanted more, in fact! Meanwhile, Nicci was hard at work behind the scenes on the technical side, prompting John at all the right moments.

“Our vision is that the Zambezi Valley, one of the world’s greatest remaining wilderness areas and home to approximately 16,000 elephants, will one day be a safe environment and other wildlife can thrive, for the benefit of Zimbabwe and the global biodiversity. ”

A relaxed interaction with guests afterwards gave everyone the opportunity to mingle and chat with Nicci and John and their hosts. In all, about 280 people learnt about the Zambezi Elephant Fund, its efforts in the valley, what has been achieved so far and what still needs to be done. We’ve increased our mailing list, too, and look forward to spreading the word even further through our kind recipients! John’s audiences got to know elephants better, they understood poaching better within the Zimbabwean and greater African context and they could see that with active involvement and collaboration, positive things can happen and only good results can arise. They became familiar with the beautiful country of Zimbabwe; in particular Mana Pools – and they met one of the finest safari guides and impassioned conservationists in Africa, our very own John Stevens.Lessons learnt from this fund-raising tour are many. The planning and organisation that has to go into an effort such as this is phenomenal. Practice, practice, practice makes perfect! But fundraising is definitely a science and the Zambezi Elephant Fund is learning that fast.

Overall, the most important thing that Nicci and John came away with from the trip was the extraordinary response of every single person they came across along the way. For them, Zambezi Elephant Fund’s essence – “Saving the Elephants of the Zambezi Valley, Together’ was never more evident. The immense generosity of their hosts, the donations, the pledges, the thoughtful offers of practical help from audience members – from spreading the word to fundraising to marketing – it was overwhelming and really encapsulated what it means to work “together” and collaborate for our common good. 

Now that the Stevens are home again, the real work begins! Time to get busy. We’re growing our database, preparing marketing material, updating our website, writing letters and kick-starting lots of new ideas. We’ll keep on keeping you posted with our progress! Do let us know if you have any news or updates for us regarding your own efforts.

The Stevens and everyone involved in the Zambezi Elephant Fund wish to thank our caring supporters in America for everything! Or, as we say in this part of the world – Tatenda! Maita basa!

If you wish to receive a copy of the presentation or if you’d like to view a slideshow of Nick Dyer’s wonderful photographs, please let us know and we’ll oblige. 

NEWSFLASH: Recently, Nicci and John Stevens and Laura Taylor, volunteers for the Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF), were joined by another volunteer and videographer, Troy Reid of Planet Wild, to capture some film footage of the beautiful Zambezi Valley and its magnificent elephants.
The aim was to put together a clip for peer-to-peer fundraising at the request of some of ZEF’s overseas supporters.

We were based just outside Mana Pools National Park in a private concession and one morning took a walk with John and a guide from the host camp. The valley was hot and sticky after the rainstorms 36 hours before. We walked leisurely, just a few kilometres from camp, enjoying the incredibly diverse scenery, birds and animals.

On our way back to the vehicle, our guide pointed to a horrific sight. We started walking towards what looked like a large, grey boulder, our brains quickly comprehending but refusing to accept what we were seeing. Sickeningly, heartbreakingly, we realised that we had come across a recently poached elephant. Its face had been hacked off along with its tusks, its lifeless trunk lying across the front of its body. Vultures were hovering and flies had started their work in the decaying process.

A beautiful elephant, (at John’s estimate only about five years old), mud still caked on his feet, had been felled way before his time. The brutal reality was right there in front of us. John and our guide quickly contacted camp management, who in turn got hold of National Parks. Rangers were deployed within hours and over the next morning, but tracks were difficult to find after the rain. We discovered some time after that another 3 elephants had suffered a similar miserable end in surrounding areas.

It’s important to us to deliver this news to you first-hand, as it has brought home very clearly the awful and horribly dangerous situation that elephants are in. That discovery and the memory of what we saw is something we’ll carry with us always. It has further motivated us to continue to do our best to help protect these incredible creatures from extinction.

“We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

Give a gift that the world will thank you for!

Rather than giving the usual conventional gifts this holiday season, why not consider giving a gift that will help protect and preserve one of the world’s greatest living creatures, the magnificent African elephant?

In the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe, one of the continent’s last remaining strongholds, we are now losing elephants at an alarming rate to poaching. Unless we do something now, elephants will certainly disappear forever.

“The elephant is a beloved and iconic species, and the idea of it vanishing from the planet and the lives of future generations is unimaginable. ”

The Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF) is an umbrella organisation working collaboratively with Zimbabwe Parks Authority along with NGOs and the private sector to establish real needs and priorities to harness synergies and develop, implement and manage anti-poaching operations. (Read more about the Zambezi Elephant Fund here)

It takes just a few minutes to dedicate a donation towards this important work on someone else’s behalf – and to let them know about your special gift. Elephants are sentient beings and their family structures are very similar to ours. It’s that time of year when friends and families come together – and what better way to honour that than helping the elephant families of the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. 

Your dedication:

• Can be made in honour of a loved one
• Can be made easily and quickly online
• Is tax deductible
• Is more important now than ever before

How will your gift make a difference?

• The Zambezi Elephant Fund requires help in areas such as –
• supporting the rangers that protect elephants, through training, rations, weapons, equipment and field gear
• surveillance, operations & monitoring equipment, deployment vehicles, fuel and
• administration

Your dedication will make a real difference in these and other areas of anti-poaching efforts in the Zambezi Valley.