By Susan Nyabunze
Zimbabwe’s swimming sensation and Olympic gold medalist Kirsty Coventry has been appointed Pangolin Ambassador by Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
Minister Kasukuwere has since written to Coventry informing her of her new role, saying her appointment would help publicise the importance of the conservation of the endangered species.
“This responsibility has been bestowed on you because of your passion for wildlife and the pride with which you represent the nation in other activities,” said Minister Kasukuwere.
“I am confident that you will represent Zimbabwe’s wildlife with equal pride and make a positive impact towards conservation of our wildlife.”
Minister Kasukuwere said Coventry would be working closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority whose mandate is to manage wildlife on behalf of the Government.
In a post of her Facebook page on Friday, Kirsty welcomed the appointment pledging to work for the preservation of the species.
‘’A very big thank you to Hon Saviour Kasukuwere and Zimparks for this opportunity, I look forward to working with you towards a better future for the pangolin.
“Thank you for this opportunity,’’ she said.
The 30-year-old international swimming superstar and a multiple medallist, world swimming record breaker and Olympic champion is ranked first in Africa for the most number of Olympic medals she holds in swimming.
She is the proud holder of a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Auburn University in Alabama, US.
Her passion for sport, wildlife and children motivated her to land various roles such as patron of Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, Lapdesk Ambassador, Hywood Trust Ambassador and is the founder of the Kirsty Coventry Academy.
Pangolins are a rare and sacred breed in Zimbabwe and hunting or possessing them is illegal.
They are on the verge of extinction and for that reason if people come across a pangolin they are obliged take it to the area’s chief who will later forward it to the National Parks. The Herald
