Midweek Reporter
HARARE: Four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, goats, and cattle have died after drinking contaminated water from Lake Chivero.
The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority recently confirmed the incident in a press statement.
Veterinarians from the University of ZimParks attempted to contain cyanobacteria in Lake Chivero but could not yield positive results as animals continued succumbing to the contaminated water.
“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,” reads statement from ZimParks.
Further measures such as the installation of artificial water points with clean water failed to prevent animals from drinking contaminated lake water.
“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,” reads part of the statement.
Dead fish is seen floating on greenish Lake Chivero water in a video circulating on social media handles.
ZimParks has called for an all stakeholders approach to contain the menacing water pollution that threatened biodiversity.
Lake Chivero is one of the listed 7 Ramsar sites in Zimbabwe.
Massive pollution of the lake throws spanners in Zimbabwe’s preparations for the hosting of the Ramsar Convention CoP15 in July 2025.
