Steady Progress, Renewed Access, and Eyes on the River

The Mana Pools landscape continues to transform with the season. We've  recently had some cooler, breezier days—just enough to take the edge off the winter heat. It’s been a period of regrouping and rebuilding across the Conservancy.

We’re pleased to report that our Zambezi River patrols have resumed after a period of ranger shortages. Our patrol boat has also been fully overhauled and is now back on the river. Thanks to support from Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), 40 additional rangers have been deployed to the area. This much-needed reinforcement is allowing us to ramp up patrol coverage and rotate teams across strategic zones, supporting anti-poaching efforts.

We've also had a TLB (tractor-loader-backhoe) in the park for almost a month, rehabilitating roads and restoring river crossings. This work is already improving access to remote areas, essential for patrols and wildlife monitoring. Infrastructure development continues with a new anti-poaching base established near Chitake, improving coverage in this sensitive area.

These improvements mark a promising shift in momentum, and as always, your support helps make this possible.

On the wild dog front, Violet’s pack dropped to only 7 adults and 1 four-month-old pup. Ghost has gone missing and is presumed killed. The good news is that 2 adults from elsewhere have joined the pack.

Looking ahead, a reminder that a live Tusker Ranger Fund Zoom call will be hosted from Vundu Camp on July 26 to thank members, share updates, and unveil the 2025 plaque. We encourage all members to join!

Warm regards,
Nick Murray
Founder, Bushlife Conservancy

Field Update: Morale Running High

Bushlife Support Unit morale is high this month, thanks to newly delivered uniforms, supplies, and the continued impact of their outreach work across the region. Freedom and the team remain focused and motivated as they tackle key conservation challenges:

• Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation:
  Freedom has reached over 2,000 villagers in 5 wards this month, leading community outreach on predator-proof kraals, elephant deterrents, and co-existence education.

• Livestock Losses in Nyamakate:
  A cow and calf were killed by hyenas after being left unsecured overnight, underscoring the need for improved nighttime enclosures.

• Illegal Mining Threats:
  Ongoing gold-panning activities in Chewore continue to lure wildlife toward settlements, increasing the risk of conflict.

• School Outreach:
  Conservation education expanded into remote schools where Freedom met students walking over 10 km daily. Discussions focused on the importance of elephants, carnivores, and wildlife reporting.

• Infrastructure Improvements:
  Scouts successfully reopened several key roads damaged by flooding, restoring ranger access to previously unreachable areas.

Boat Patrol News

Zoology Spotlight: Life at the Spring

This month’s field explorations led us deep into the remote southern reaches of Mana Pools, near Chitangazuva Spring—an oasis teeming with rarely seen wildlife. From a fleeting encounter with a shy African civet to a splashy standoff between zebra and elephants, the spring became the stage for a quiet wilderness drama. Even as tension stirred the air, the forest buzzed with birdsong, insects, and the gentle rustle of life undisturbed.

👉 Click here to read Freedom's full story and explore Mana's hidden zoological treasures.