By Nkosentsha Khumalo
For decades, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage has always been a treasured institution in the City of Kings and Queens.
Situated in the outskirts of Bulawayo, the sanctuary has provided a haven for orphaned and injured animals, giving them a second chance at life.
In addition to its work with animals, Chipangali has always been a popular destination for tourists and families alike, with the thrill for adventure, offering a unique glimpse into the wildlife of Zimbabwe.
For generations of families, Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage has been a beloved destination, offering the chance to get up close and personal with wild animals. A trip to Chipangali was and still is a childhood highlight for many people, and now adults bring their own children to share in the magic adventure of the sanctuary.
In as much as being a place of wonder and delight for families, Chipangali also serves the local economy, attracting tourists from around the world who bring in the much-needed foreign currency.
Chipangali is home to a wide variety of animals, from lions and leopards to crocodiles and vultures. But perhaps, the most fascinating of all are the snakes, which include mambas, cobras, and pythons. These slithering serpents are a common sight at the orphanage, and they play an important role in the local ecosystem.
For visitors, seeing these creatures up-close is an unforgettable experience.
As a tribute to Chipangali's conservation efforts, and to help preserve the orphanage's future, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) donated 16 cattle carcasses to the sanctuary, according to the latest full Council Agenda meeting held, on April 3rd.
The minutes state that on March 14, this year the Director of Housing and Community Services had reported to the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee on the issue of 17 herds of cattle that had been intercepted by the police.
"On the 7th of February 2024, a total of 17 cattle were illegally brought to Bulawayo from Filabusi and were handed over to our Gum Plantation pound by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Stock theft and the Veterinary Services," reads part of the minutes.
"The animals were intercepted by ZRP Central being transported by Edmore Bhibhi of house number 5696/5705 Emganwini Township, Bulawayo and Farai Pamkani of house number 4389
from the same township."
"The ZRP and Veterinary Services had requested that the cattle be isolated and kept at the Council Pound as they carried-out further investigations. However, the following day one of the beasts died."
The minutes further state that subsequently, on February 13, this year, the Veterinary Services Department came with illegal cattle movement Destruction Order from the Chief Animal Veterinary Officer.
The
directive of the Order was to destroy all the remaining cattle. The animals were gunned down in the presence of ZRP officers, BCC rangers and the owner of the stock.
The carcasses were donated to Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and an appreciation letter for the donation was received on February 14, the next day.
"As per Council policy and norm, storage at the Council pound was paid for, thus a letter was
written to the ZRP for the storage payment as the animals had stayed for 7 days at the Council pound. The storage fees accumulated to an amount of USD10 133.46."
"All animals handed over or confiscated by Council Rangers and habituated at the Council pound attracted a fine from the owner of the stock. If the stock was not claimed, the animals were auctioned after a period of three (3) months."
"After the claim for payment was done to the ZRP who brought the animals to the pound, the Police responded as quoted, “Police cannot be billed for carrying-out their constitutional mandate. The arrest, impound and subsequent destruction of the animals was in the interest of the Government (central and local) since the stock was from a red zone.”
According to the minutes, the 16 animals accumulated an amount of USD 9955.68 and one cattle that died accumulated an amount of USD177.78 giving a total of USD 10 133.46.
The Council's livestock policy stipulates that all animals stored in Council pound attracts a storage fee of USD89 per day.
The minutes further read, "In view of the above, the Department had proposed that fees of USD 10 133.46 be cancelled for reasons given in the report. The perpetrators had already been punished and were likely not going to be able to raise the required bill in the first place."
"The actions of the Police and Veterinary were at the interest of the City and the public at large."
"The carcasses were donated to the Wildlife Sanctuary and the offender had a double loss."
"The Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee had recommended to this Committee that Council pound fees of USD 10 133.46 be cancelled for reasons given in the
report."
The Council minutes resolved to move the motion
that the recommendation of the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee be adopted.
