News / National
Baboon rescued from snare in Victoria Falls
2 hrs ago |
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A routine call on the outskirts of Victoria Falls turned into a rare wildlife rescue after conservation teams responded to a baboon carrying a wire snare around its neck in Chinotimba township.
The operation, coordinated by Connected Conservation and supported by Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, highlighted the growing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in urban-edge communities.
The baboon, part of a troop that scavenges at a rubbish dump near human settlements, was found with a wire snare tightly wrapped around its neck.
Although the animal had not yet suffered serious injuries, conservationists said the situation could quickly have become life-threatening if the snare had remained in place.
Wildlife veterinarians and rangers carried out a carefully coordinated operation to immobilise the baboon before safely removing the snare and releasing it back into the troop.
In a statement, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust said rescues involving baboons are exceptionally difficult because of the animals' intelligence and mobility.
"Snare removals on baboons are extremely rare due to their intelligence, mobility and the complex dynamics within troops," the organisation said.
"Timing and coordination are critical because these animals move quickly and are highly aware of danger."
The trust said the incident reflects a broader conservation challenge emerging around towns and settlements where wildlife increasingly comes into contact with people.
"Conservation work is no longer confined to remote wilderness areas," the organisation added.
"More frequently, interventions are taking place on the edges of urban communities where humans and wildlife share the same environment.
"Coexistence is becoming one of conservation's greatest challenges."
The rescue team thanked Connected Conservation, ZimParks and other partners involved in the operation, saying collaboration remains essential in responding to wildlife emergencies in and around Victoria Falls.
The operation, coordinated by Connected Conservation and supported by Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, highlighted the growing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in urban-edge communities.
The baboon, part of a troop that scavenges at a rubbish dump near human settlements, was found with a wire snare tightly wrapped around its neck.
Although the animal had not yet suffered serious injuries, conservationists said the situation could quickly have become life-threatening if the snare had remained in place.
Wildlife veterinarians and rangers carried out a carefully coordinated operation to immobilise the baboon before safely removing the snare and releasing it back into the troop.
In a statement, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust said rescues involving baboons are exceptionally difficult because of the animals' intelligence and mobility.
"Timing and coordination are critical because these animals move quickly and are highly aware of danger."
The trust said the incident reflects a broader conservation challenge emerging around towns and settlements where wildlife increasingly comes into contact with people.
"Conservation work is no longer confined to remote wilderness areas," the organisation added.
"More frequently, interventions are taking place on the edges of urban communities where humans and wildlife share the same environment.
"Coexistence is becoming one of conservation's greatest challenges."
The rescue team thanked Connected Conservation, ZimParks and other partners involved in the operation, saying collaboration remains essential in responding to wildlife emergencies in and around Victoria Falls.
Source - Southern Eye
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