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Imire tragedy follow up
Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF)
November 15, 2007

On the 12th November 2007, we circulated a very disturbing report about the three black rhino that were shot at Imire Safari Ranch. The Travers family have informed us that people are responding to their appeal for funds so that they can offer a reward to anyone giving information leading to the capture and conviction of the perpetrators of this atrocity. They are extremely grateful to all those who have contributed so far.

We have now received some very sad photos of the deceased rhino which can be seen further down in this report. It is not our intention to upset people so anyone of a sensitive nature should not scroll down any further and rather delete this email now.

Tatenda, the 6 week old calf of DJ who was shot by the poachers last Wednesday night, is now being bottle fed by Judy Travers.

The poachers were disturbed whilst trying to remove Sprinter's horn which had only grown about an inch since being dehorned.

Amber was heavily pregnant, only a week away from giving birth to her calf.

The different species of animals at Imire interact with each other. They are like a big happy family and visitors to the ranch will often see elephants and rhino walking together through the game park. This would explain why the Imire elephants reacted to the deaths of the rhino in much the same way as elephants do when one of their own is killed. They gathered at the slaughter site, apparently comforting each other. One elephant in particular had been Amber's special companion and was attempting to dig a grave.

You can support Imire by paying them a visit. They are only an hour's drive from Harare along the Mutare Road and you will find it an unforgettable experience.

Visit the ZCTF fact sheet

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