The recent killing of a collared lion named Blondie in Zimbabwe by a trophy hunter has sparked outrage, reminiscent of the 2015 Cecil the lion case. Blondie, part of an Oxford University study, was lured from a protected area and killed in a legal hunt with permits, despite the visible research collar. Zimbabwe’s National Parks defends the hunt, citing the revenue generated for conservation efforts, although others condemn trophy hunting practices. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over lion hunting, its ethics, and its impact on the vulnerable lion population across Africa.
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Following the halt of US aid, Zimbabwe is facing a resurgence of malaria, with cases soaring in 2025. Funding cuts impacted essential control programs, including the distribution of mosquito nets and research initiatives, crippling the country’s efforts. The Ministry of Health reported a sharp increase in both cases and deaths, indicating a reversal of prior progress. Experts emphasize the critical need for sustained funding to maintain prevention and treatment efforts, while also noting the potential for the country to mobilize its own resources to combat the disease.
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Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty, ending capital punishment after a nearly two-decade hiatus. President Mnangagwa, who previously faced a death sentence himself, approved legislation pardoning the approximately 60 individuals currently on death row. This move is lauded by Amnesty International as a positive step for the abolitionist movement in Africa, where several other nations are also considering similar reforms. The law reflects a global trend toward reducing capital punishment, although executions remain prevalent in several countries worldwide.
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I was in Zimbabwe last year for an elephant safari, and it was a surreal experience to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. The vast herds of elephants roaming gracefully in the African landscape left a lasting impression on me. However, the recent news of Zimbabwe ordering the cull of 200 elephants due to food shortages resulting from drought has sparked a deep sense of concern and reflection within me.
The elephants in Zimbabwe are facing an ecological crisis, particularly in their largest park, Hwange. With an estimated 100,000 elephants in the country, the population has exceeded the land’s carrying capacity, leading to overgrazing and destruction of habitat.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker