Four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, and four fish eagles, along with several goats and cattle, have died after drinking water from Lake Chivero, the main water source for Harare.
According to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, the deaths were caused by contamination from cyanobacteria in the lake’s water. Said Farawo:
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Four rhinos have died due to contamination from cyanobacteria in the water sources at Lake Chivero Recreational Park.
Despite the interventions by veterinarians from the University of Zimbabwe and our Veterinary and Capture Unit, the contamination has also impacted other wildlife in the area resulting in the loss of three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as goats and cattle from nearby farms.
To mitigate the risk, we implemented measures to deter the animals from drinking from the affected dam by placing salt blocks and game nuts around the park, as well as artificial water points with clean water.
Regrettably, these efforts proved to not be enough, as the animals continued to drink from the lake.
In an effort to address the challenges, we have made temporary corrective measures.
The pollution challenges facing this lake requires a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach therefore we urge the public and relevant authorities to understand the effects of pollution and to join us in advocating for better environmental practices to protect our biodiversity.
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Four rhinos, three zebras, and other animals from Lake Chivero died from drinking polluted water with cyanobacteria. Efforts were made to stop them from drinking the contaminated water, but they didn't work. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority are asking for help to protect the environment and prevent more animals from dying.

Four Rhinos, Three Zebras Die From Polluted Water At Lake Chivero

Greaters Nyoni, a resident of Bulawayo, has been convicted by a Beitbridge Magistrate for the unlawful hunting and killing of a black rhinoceros, a specially protected animal.
The incident occurred on July 14, 2022, at Bubye Valley Conservancy.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) stated that Nyoni, along with Prince Mudenda, James Tapoka, Spencer Mharadza (who have already been sentenced to 9 years imprisonment), and President Oswell Musekiwa (still at large), hunted and killed the black rhinoceros using a .375 rifle belonging to Nyoni. They then dehorned the animal with an axe and reportedly sold the horns in Harare.
Game scouts discovered the crime scene and recovered an empty cartridge from the .375 rifle. A police report was filed, leading to the arrest of Prince Mudenda on March 26, 2023. Mudenda implicated Nyoni in the crime, who was subsequently apprehended.
The black rhinoceros is valued at USD 120,000, and no recoveries have been made.
Black rhinos are critically endangered, with populations having declined by more than 97% since the 1960s due to poaching and habitat loss.
Poaching remains the biggest threat to black rhinos, as their horns are highly valued on the black market for their supposed medicinal properties and as a status symbol.
Each kilogram of rhino horn can fetch as much as US$ 100,000, ultimately reaching up to $300,000 per horn.
Currently, there are just over 6,000 black rhinos left in the world.
In an unrelated incident, Lameck Shumba, a 53-year-old man from Beitbridge, has been brought before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on charges of unlawful possession of two rhino horns.
The NPA said on March 21, 2024, the police received a tip-off that Shumba, along with his accomplices Prosper Zengeya and Abelina Nangai (who are still at large), were in possession of black rhinoceros horns. They were actively seeking buyers, preferably from South Africa.
Acting on the tip-off, the police posed as potential buyers and arranged a meeting with the accused persons at the Pagomba Sports Bar in Beitbridge.
During the meeting, Shumba arrived with Prosper Zengeya, carrying a blue plastic bag containing the rhino horns. Meanwhile, Abelina Nangai remained in Shumba’s motor vehicle.
The police signalled for backup, and upon their arrival, they managed to arrest Shumba. However, his two accomplices evaded arrest and abandoned their motor vehicle.
The confiscated rhino horns weighed 0.574 kg and 0.212 kg respectively.
Shumba has been remanded in custody until April 16, 2024, when his trial is scheduled to begin.
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Man Jailed Nine Years For Killing Black Rhino Valued At US$120 000

Poachers recently killed and de-horned a black rhinoceros at Chipinge Safari Camp.
ZRP spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/poachers-kill-black-rhino/">The Manica Post</a> saying the decomposing carcass of the black rhinoceros was found on 12 October. He said:
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Poachers sneaked into Chipinge Safari Camp armed with unknown rifles. They proceeded to one of the water points along the Chidimayi River on the safari where they shot and killed a black rhinoceros.
On October 12, the informant who was on patrol in the company of fellow game rangers discovered the carcass of the black rhinoceros about 500 metres along Chidimayi River.
A trail of blood was seen emanating from the water point along the river to the place where the carcass was discovered.
The carcass was inspected and it was discovered that it was notched on both ears. 
It was also observed that the poachers used an unknown sharp object to remove the horn.
Checks were made with Zimparks records and it was established that the black rhinoceros had a Notch Number 1481, first recorded in 2015.
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