Getaway Magazine helps saving Zimbabwean game from drought

After hearing that the animals in Hwange-a reserve in Zimbabwe - were dying in mass of drought Getaway magazine undertook action

After the breaking news that the animals in Hwange - a game reserve in Zimbabwe - were dying in mass of severe drought, Getaway magazine decided to undertake action. The drought in the park was a result of lack of rainfall, but also because of the country's lack of fuel to run the water-hole pumps as well as the lack of serviceable pumps and engines.

Getaway, South Africa's leading print travel magazine, decided to mobilize readers and companies to restore the broken pumps. In the December newsletter associate editor Don Pinnock said that they "... need to get pumps ready while it's raining so they're ready for the next season. Our goal is to restore as many pumps in the centre of the park as possible to draw game away from the periphery to better grazing."

According to Pinnock the response was overwhelming. "We've had a magnificent response from Getaway readers, who gave funds and offered their time and vehicles ... The Save Hwange account now stands at R17 454," he said in the December newsletter. "Aren't people wonderful?"

Pinnock said that at the moment several readers and other people are in the park, repairing and changing the broken pumps so that the water holes can be filled with water once again.

He added that apart from ordinary people also companies have offered their time and money to save the animals of Hwange in Zimbabwe: " .... A truck loaned by Mitsubishi Fuso is in Gaborone, Botswana, and has been fitted with a winch and bull bar by the dealer there, Naledi Motors Gaborone."

"A second winch, donated by Safari Centre in Cape Town, is being installed on a support vehicle and Caltex is standing by with free diesel in Hwange," he stated in the newsletter.

Pinnock said the struggle isn't over. "Any contributions of equipment or funds would be gratefully accepted. If you're interested in being part of the Save Hwange Campaign, and want to help, phone South Africa + 27 (0) 861 312 312."