Modern Day Operation Noah - Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Lake Kariba is the fourth largest man-made lake in the world and is home to an abundant eco-system of wildlife, birds, fish and aquatic animals. Each year, as the seasons change, the water levels of the lake rise and recede as affected by the rains further up the continent that increase the flow into the lake. Earlier this year in June, the lake was at sitting at 84% capacity in comparison to the previous years level of only 56%. Amazing!
When the water was at its highest level in June this year (2018), it created islands which were previously part of the mainland and it was discovered that there was some impala stranded on two of these islands. Having heard of this situation, the Changa guides quickly stepped in and an exciting rescue operation began!
Changa’s team of guides and staff, met together with National Parks Rangers, MAPP (Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project), Mitch Riley (manager of Spurwing Island) and his team, and the Matusadona National Parks Area Manager, Victor Mkhwebu and a plan of action was created. We like to think of this as a mini “Operation-Noah” project!
Nine boats set off to the island where the impalas were stranded and several staff were dropped off on one side of the island where they began to herd the Impala to a smaller detached part of the island, so it would be easier to capture them. It is safe to say that a great deal of athleticism was displayed by both the humans and the impalas!

[@jamesdownham6417]

Thank you for the great job you you are doing . I lived at Kariba as young boy and saw the WHOLE shebang .My late father ( MIC of the police at kariba ) took me on many operation Noah's at the time and we had many other adventures together . I vividly remember answering the call from the charge office regarding the falling of the Italian workers into the dam wall . My dad grabbed the phone and in his dressing gown leapt into the land rover and roared off ..So sad . We have many cine films showing all the things we saw and got upto . My dad officiated at the opening of the dam wall . The Queen Mother and other hob nobs were given English strawberries and cream for desert and she was not impressed . Turning to my dad she whispered " Jim ,.... Do you like strawberries ? " " Oh yes please maam ." Snapping her white gloved fingers , an attendant appeared . " Please deliver sixteen crates of strawberries to the Downham residence ." True to her word , the crates promptly arrived on our front door stoep ..... We ate strawberries 🍓 to the delight of my younger brother for WEEKS afterwards . The happiest years of my life . Somebody , please take me back !

[@lyndabradley7904]

wow, what a great experience. such care and love for these animals. thank you

[@grantsprout7109]

Excellent to see this

[@shephardandrewzond6764]

Ordinary people doing extra ordinary things ....kudos !!