Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), in partnership with the Matusadona Conservation Trust, has successfully relocated 74 large herbivores to Matusadona National Park, marking a major milestone in efforts to restore one of the country’s key conservation areas, an official has said.
In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the translocations, carried out in July this year, saw 50 African buffalo and 10 common eland moved from Tsetse Island on Lake Kariba, while 14 sable antelope were taken from the Sibilobilo Safari Area along the Zambezi River.
“The Authority is pleased to announce the completion of wildlife translocations that brought 50 African buffalo, 10 common eland from Tsetse Island on Lake Kariba, and 14 sable antelope from the Sibilobilo Safari Area (one of the Islands along the Zambezi River) during July 2025,” he said.
Farawo said said feasibility assessments were done ahead of the operation to ensure sustainable conservation of the species and long-term ecological balance. He said the operations are a significant step in the ongoing restoration of the Matusadona National Park and the wider Sebungwe region, adding that beyond boosting wildlife populations, the relocations will revive graze and browse dynamics, strengthen prey bases, and enhance overall ecosystem resilience.
“Beyond population supplementation, these translocations support broader ecological restoration, reviving graze and browse dynamics, strengthening prey bases, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. The translocations will help restore the ecological balance of the park, while supporting the broader restoration of the Sebungwe Region in the years to come,” he said.
Farawo said the effort was bolstered by strong local leadership with the Nyaminyami community recently ratifying a Land Use Plan, approved by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Daniel Garwe on 29 July, reinforcing the long-term vision for conservation in the Sebungwe region.
He said the delicate process of moving the animals was undertaken by African Wildlife Management and Conservation (AWMC) and Wildlife Management Services International (WMSI), with support from Matusadona’s Conservation and Veterinarian Unit.
Farawo praised the high levels of technical expertise and collaboration that ensured the safety of the animals throughout the operation. Funding for the project came from a network of local and international donors, including the Global Wildlife Fund.
Authorities view the relocation program as a turning point for Matusadona, once a thriving wildlife sanctuary that has faced challenges over the years, and signals renewed commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable conservation in Zimbabwe.
New Ziana
