Drought in Zimbabwe: 100 Elephants Dead

Water sources have dried up and summer rains have failed to arrive: in Zimbabwe, climate change is causing a drought that is claiming many wild animals as victims.

In a national park in Zimbabwe, around 100 elephants have died from lack of water over the past three months due to persistent drought.

The cause is the failure of summer rains in the southern African country, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The situation facing the animals is described as “dramatic.” In Hwange National Park, the country’s largest nature reserve, numerous water sources that mammals need to survive have dried up.

Climate change has “devastating consequences”

“Elephants and other wildlife species face a catastrophe if rain does not fall soon,” warned IFAW’s Programme Director for Habitat Conservation, Phillip Kuvawoga. As far back as 2019, more than 200 elephants died as a result of a severe drought in Zimbabwe. “Once again we are witnessing the devastating consequences that a changing climate has on wildlife,” said Kuvawoga. Conversely, the preservation of healthy ecosystems is vital for climate protection.

Relocation as an emergency measure

Four years ago, Zimbabwe’s parks authority, in cooperation with nature and environmental organisations, relocated around 600 elephants weakened by hunger and thirst to less affected areas. Approximately 2,000 impala, 50 buffalo, 40 giraffes and dozens of lions were also moved to other regions.