Govt urged to invest in rescue techniques for Wildlife Officers

Conservationist Nsama Kearns has urged government to invest in rescue techniques and equipment for wildlife officers for use in rescue operations in the event that dangerous animals stray out of their sanctuaries and pose as a danger to the public.

Last week, a male sub-adult lion suspected to have originated from the Lower Zambezi National Park strayed into Shimabala area in Kafue District for some days before it was killed by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in an effort to protect lives.

This was after the officers set out to tranquilize the lion and return it to its area of origin, but it charged at the officers who then shot it dead.

Speaking to Q-news, Mrs. Kearns who is disappointed by the incident has urged the ministry of tourism to invest in building the capacity of wildlife officers through trainings on how rescue missions in such incidences are conducted without having to kill the wild animal.

She has argues that the wildlife officers should have been more professional and equipped with a cage to immediately put the lion once tranquilized as opposed to surrounding it uncaged with guns.