MEFT intervenes to save stranded hippos amid drought

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has launched an urgent intervention to save a group of hippos stranded in the Zambezi region due to the ongoing drought. Hippos have become trapped in drying mud pools after water sources evaporated, according to ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda.

“The situation in the Zambezi region is critical, with several pools drying out due to the severe drought,” Muyunda said. “We are aware of three key pools in the eastern Zambezi region where hippos are stranded. In one pool, Munambeza, we observed approximately 130 hippos struggling as water levels continue to drop.”

In response, the ministry has begun drilling boreholes to pump water into the pools, ensuring the survival of the hippos. This marks the second borehole installation of the year, following the success of a similar intervention at Lugala. “We drilled a borehole at Lugala, and the situation has improved. We hope to replicate this success at Munambeza and, next, at Sinde,” Muyunda added.

The pools not only sustain hippos but are vital water sources for other wildlife and livestock from nearby communities. The ministry’s intervention will benefit a wide range of animals in the area.

Muyunda emphasized that this effort demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to wildlife conservation, highlighting that lethal measures are not always the solution. “We are focused on saving lives and monitoring the situation in Zambezi and other regions.”

However, the drought poses a growing risk of human-wildlife conflict, as animals search for food and water, potentially leading to dangerous encounters. “We urge the public to exercise caution and report any wildlife concerns to the Ministry so we can intervene and prevent conflict,” Muyunda warned.

The ministry continues to monitor the situation closely to protect both wildlife and the local population.