There’s hope in Hwange

Visiting Hwange National Park was the highlight of our recent holiday in Zimbabwe and Botswana. We stayed at Sinamatella rest camp, high on the side of a koppie, and we watched lion, buffalo, giraffe and elephant drinking water on the plains. The roads were in a good condition. The rest camp was deserted, which was such a shame. The friendly staff were doing everything in their power to keep things running smoothly. An NGO called Painted Dog Conservation does work in the park. One afternoon I accompanied their operations manager David Kuvawoga and veterinarian Ishmael Makamba to free a wild dog from a snare. With tears in his eyes, Ishmael explained that under normal circumstances he would put the animal down, but had to try and save this one because it’s an endangered species. It was upsetting to see how little equipment and medication he had at his disposal. Yet he remains so passionate about his job. This story has a happy ending. The dog that was caught in the snare, subsequently named Spooner, has made a good recovery and can hunt again. The Painted Dog Conservation anti-poaching unit removed some of the snares and they’re anxiously awaiting the birth of new pups – the pack’s alpha female is pregnant. We’re already planning our next visit! IRENE DE VILLIERS, Mokopane Send your letters to editor@gomag.co.za – please include your name, surname and where you live. Please also include a photo if you have one. We reserve the right to edit and shorten letters, and use your photos elsewhere in the magazine, on our digital platforms and in our marketing material.