ZimParks Defends Killing Of Collared Lion In Hwange National Park

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has said the recent killing of a collared lion in Hwange National Park was conducted in accordance with the law, amid growing public concern and renewed debate over trophy hunting and conservation practices.

On Saturday, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said the hunt had “the necessary approvals” and was carried out “in full compliance with all regulations.”

Farawo acknowledged that while collared lions are generally tagged for research purposes, this does not automatically exempt them from regulated hunting. He said:

Contrary to ongoing speculation, there was no illegality involved in this hunt… We urge the public to stop spreading wrong information that may cause unnecessary alarm.

The lion, believed to be part of a long-term research initiative, was fitted with a GPS collar to track its movements and behaviour as part of ongoing scientific efforts in Hwange National Park.

Its death has drawn widespread criticism from conservationists, researchers, and members of the public, who argue that the hunt undermines research activities and harms Zimbabwe’s international standing in wildlife conservation.

On social media, the incident has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency, with many comparing it to the 2015 killing of Cecil the Lion.

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