Polluted Lake Chivero kills four rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests

A devastating environmental disaster has unfolded at Lake Chivero Recreational Park, where four rhinos have succumbed to cyanobacteria contamination in the water sources.

The tragedy has also resulted in the deaths of three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, as well as goats and cattle from nearby farms.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), the contamination was despite the efforts of veterinarians from the University of Zimbabwe and ZimParks’ Veterinary and Capture Unit.

In an attempt to mitigate the risk, ZimParks implemented measures to deter animals from drinking from the affected dam.

Thousands of fish are dying at Lake Chivero due to poisoning caused by cyanobacteria, fueled by raw sewage discharged into the lake by @cityofharare. Investigative journalist @MaryTaruvinga reports from the scene, holding one of the dead fish. The entire lake is said to be… pic.twitter.com/z07pruHKV1

— Crime Watch Zimbabwe (@crimewatchzw) December 15, 2024

These measures included placing salt blocks and game nuts around the park, as well as providing artificial water points with clean water. But the efforts proved insufficient, as the animals continued to drink from the lake.

“In an effort to address the challenges, we have made temporary corrective measures.

“The pollution challenges facing this lake requires a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach therefore we urge the public and relevant authorities to understand the effects of pollution and to join us in advocating for better environmental practices to protect our biodiversity.

“As the country prepares for the hosting of the RAMSAR Convention CoP15 next year in July, we need to strengthen our current efforts to conserve the lake.

“Lake Chivero is one of the listed 7 Ramsar sites in Zimbabwe,” ZimParks said.

Former legislator Fadzayi Mahere has questioned the capacity of the Minister of Environment following the tragic event at Lake Chivero.

An ecological crisis is developing at Chivero Game Reserve. Lake Chivero is heavily polluted by cyanobacteria. Four rhinos & other wildlife as well as livestock have died after drinking the water. Main cause of pollution is raw sewage from Harare @FNFreiheit @JMafume @hcc_harare pic.twitter.com/Qz4PQ9JENv

— Mary taruvinga (@TaruvingaMarymt) December 15, 2024

She said: “When the politics is wrong, nothing works. There is so much pollution in Lake Chivero that it’s poisoning the animals and they are dying. If the water is so poisonous that it kills rhinos, what more human beings?

“Does Zimbabwe have a Minister of Environment? We need new leaders.”

Norton legislator Richard Tsvangirai said the situation needed an urgent solution.

“The pollution at Lake Chivero is deeply alarming. Over 1,000 fish, zebras, wildebeests, and even livestock have succumbed to contamination.

“This lake is a vital source of drinking water for Norton, and its degradation is a direct threat to our health and livelihoods. Urgent action is needed,” he said.