LTA Calls for Support Amid Wildlife Crisis at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
The Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) has raised alarm over the critical shortage of food and water for wildlife in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, located in Zambia’s tourist capital.
LTA Board Chairperson Shaun Wheeler described the situation as dire, urging tour operators and tourism establishments to donate towards the purchase of feed for the park’s animals.
Wheeler highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that some animals have died due to the lack of resources, while others have migrated out of the park in search of sustenance.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation during the signing ceremony of a partnership with the Zambia Association of Indigenous Tour Operators (ZATO) in Livingstone.
In response to the crisis, LTA has raised K226,000, which has been allocated to purchase supplementary feed for the park’s wildlife.
However, Wheeler stressed that more needs to be done to support the animals and prevent further losses.
ZATO President Patson Chifumbe echoed Wheeler’s concerns, calling for permanent solutions to ensure the park’s wildlife has adequate food and water.
Dr. Chifumbe suggested the introduction of a conservation fee, similar to the one in place in South Luangwa, to provide sustainable funding for wildlife conservation efforts.
