THE Mother Africa Trust has launched a campaign to raise $86 000 to put up a 56km fence at the Matobo National Park to protect rhinos — which are an endangered species — from poachers. The park includes an intensive protection zone were black and white rhinos are being successfully bred.
Report by Blondie Ndebele Own correspondent
According to the trust’s website, the fencing initiative was launched on Tuesday at the park. It was attended by the British ambassador to Zimbabwe Deborah Bronnett, government representatives and officials from the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
“We appreciate all donations whether big or small to help reach our target of $86 000,” said the trust. “For every 1km of fencing, we require $1 500. We encourage one and all to give a gift to prosperity this season towards preserving our heritage in the Matobo hills.”
The trust said it hoped to complete the fencing project in four months.
“The fence is designed to keep the rhinos inside the park so that the officials can protect them better,” said the trust on its website. “We have almost obtained a third of the funds from our drive to date.”
Names of sponsors will be written on a signpost to be placed at the entrance to the game park. The initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing rampant poaching, especially of protected species like elephants and rhinos which are targeted for their horns.
