Minister Of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata has lifted the ban on hunting in the 19 hunting blocks with immediate effect. Ms Kapata made the announcement at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Tourism head office in Lusaka this morning.
She however said that the hunting will be conducted under laid down conditions and strict supervision from ZAWA. But that the ban on big Cats still stands. Hunting in the said blocks was suspended in 2013 due to inability to select outfitters in these blocks arising from a flawed process in the tender.
Hunting of Lions and other cats was banned on understanding that their populations were depleted to such low levels that it was not sustainable to hunt them.
She has also appealed to everyone to assist government and ZAWA in the conservation of the wildlife and its habitat in Zambia. She said that Zambia prides itself in having arguably the richest bio-diversity on the continent, which we all should guard against depletion..
Article by: The Zambia Wildlife Authority
Please note that we are not the Zambia Tourism Board and don’t make these policy decisions. We are a private organization dedicated to providing information about travel and tourism in Zambia.
UPDATE: Here is ZAWA’s response to this press release: https://www.zambiatourism.com/zawa-explains-hunting-ban-lift
Why?
its wrong!
Please accept my apologies for not saying “Thank You” at the end of my previous message. I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinion.
The Government of Zambia is using its power to give certain human beings the right to take the life of a animal that belongs – not to the government – or to any hunter – but to nature – and to the universe. Please consider that elephants as a species are in crisis – and instead of allowing any more of them to die – it is time for all of us to do everything in our power to save every single last one of them. Mankind should do nothing less than this. Please set the example for the rest of the world and change your decision – ban the hunting of elephants – and devote resources to providing them with habitat and protection. The respect of people around the world hangs in the balance – as does the future of the elephant.
I am in opposition of the killing of ALL big game. Their numbers have dwindled to near extinction. The only reason these animals are killed by hunters is for the pleasure of killing. People who love to kill simply to feed their ego’s have a mental disorder. These people don’t kill out of necessity. They kill because the enjoy the killing. Any government who allows these sick individuals to perpetuate their sickness is not governing in the best interests of the people in their country. Taking money from these disgusting people is akin to selling the soul of the nation. The animals are far more valuable alive.
This is disturbing news and there has been a strong reaction to it on this side of world. Hunting animals in danger of extinction simply makes no sense at any level. There is no sport in hunting elephants, they are an easy mark. And no conservation argument clearly. So Zambia looking for quick revenue at the expense of wildlife resource. Not a good strategy to attract ecotourists to your country. And we bring revenue as well, without destroying your future.
That’s dreadful that the hunting ban has been lifted. All animals of all species should be able to live their lives in peace just as we should. Killing is wrong. Killing for ‘fun’ is triply wrong. The worst decision.
How could you you parasites of the planet.. elephants are sentient beings, they have as much right if not more right to be on this planet that humans do, they contribute more than humans do, especially more than this Minister Of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata .. Elephants are some of the most intelligent animals on Earth. Their brains weigh 5kg, much more than the brain of any other land animal. Their brains have more complex folds than all animals except whales, which is thought to be a major factor in their intellect. They commonly show grief, humor, compassion, cooperation, self-awareness, tool-use, playfulness, and excellent learning abilities. How dare you allow the killing of them, they are not yours to kill, they belong to the planet!
This isn’t “hunting” – which implies killing for food – this is killing for entertainment – to appease the ego of wealthy cowards.
If you, as so called “leaders”, had any real intelligence, you should be ashamed of yourselves for allowing this savagery to continue.
The civilized world will notice and respond negatively and you will feel the effects of that backlash – is that what you want ?
This is a very sad and dark day for Zambia, huge shame on you to allow the hunting again!!
This is the absolute worst decision. Their lives are theirs, they are citizens of zambia, of this world, not a commodity, not a trophy. How sad that you don’t see that. Every animal has a purpose, an agenda, they have families, they love, they feel pain. Please make the right decision, spare the lives of the animals you are blessed with, privileged to live amongst. The world is watching, show it that zambia is a caring, compassionate country. Thank you
Dear Jean Kapata, Minister of Tourism & the Arts,
The World marches against poaching and hunting, specifically for elephants and rhinos, on 4th Oct, in 114 or so major cities… We are sickened to our souls by the senseless barbaric bloodied murder, carried out by insensate beings, in the name of pride, ego, greed and vanity.The irony is, we seek to prove these hunted creatures are sentient beings n thus should not be hurt or murdered… Yet it is a ‘sentient’ being that condones, orders and is complcit in their murder…
…Which of us (which species) is the ‘animal’…. and which is the sentient soul?This is not your world… It is not our world… and as a direct consequence to actions of you and yours, soon, it will be no world… a dead world.Literally. As Minister of the Arts i would expect you to be infused with passion and compassion… To be of noble mind… We need you to protect majestic life in this world, on our behalf… because we the people… can’t. We can march and speak out and shout… But it is souls like you, in your positions of power and elevated stature that change the world… that create the world… and that save the world…
Please act in our honour, on our behalf…
Outrageous decision to lift ban on hunting of elephants, or of any wildlife. Then at the same time you espouse conservation of wildlife! ! Where are your heads? Elephants will be extinct even faster with this sort of attitude. Change your decision immediately! Appalled.
How can you say this about Zambia if you plan on the slaughter of the animals . I for one will not visit Zambia and I will spread the word to others as well. Foolish decision. You should reverse this murdering decision.
Kindly don’t lift the ban for Hunting, We will see the end of elephants and other wildlife creatures soon… This is not the right decision…
Kindly think again.. and stop this.. Let the Ban apply..
Elephants will be extinct within 10 years and you will lose all tourism. You will be shunned and need to be held accountable for your slaughter. The world is watching. You are supporting terrorism.
Lifting the ban on hunting? You savages. What right do you have to do this you heartless idiot?
WOW!!! The greedy wins over preserving a beautiful animal. I will be canceling my upcoming plans to travel to Zambia for a wildlife tour. If you are choosing hunting over conservation then you have chosen the wrong path.
please dont let the people hunt elephats africa es a wonderfull continen with a awesome riches, some of them are the huge wildlife that live there and there are a kind of riches that the money cant bring back help the elephant help the world please stop hunting.
THIS IS AWFUL BECAUSE HUNTING IS SO CRUEL AND CAUSES SUFFERING TO THE ANIMALS……..AND ALSO THE ANIMALS ARE IN DANGER OF BECOMING EXTINCT……..
SHAME ON YOU!!!! You are the animals not the Elephants!!!!!!!!!!!