Above: We are devastated to share that the Hippo Creek female 

– the dominant female and pride of Zambezi National Park – was

killed in a targeted poaching incident. Photo: Suzanne Elliot Smith

Dear Jessica,

We have heartbreaking news. Two weeks ago, we lost the matriarch of the Hippo Creek Pride (pictured above) to a targeted poaching incident. Many of you knew her – the dominant female and pride of Zambezi National Park. If you’ve been on safari here in the past seven years, chances are you’ve encountered this remarkable lioness.

Tragically, the losses don’t end there. Our region has seen a surge in targeted lion poaching. In December, we found the remains of another female from Zambezi National Park. Before that, our colleagues in Hwange also lost lions to targeted poaching. But these are more than just individual losses – when lions are poached, entire prides are disrupted. Cubs are left vulnerable and often killed, males move further afield to cover wider territories, and the risk of human-wildlife conflict increases.

Now, two young females (pictured below with their mother) – just four years old – are left to lead the Hippo Creek Pride. They lack their mother’s experience and roam dangerously close to the city of Victoria Falls.

Above: The Hippo Creek female's inexperienced daughters (pictured left and

middle) must now lead the pride after losing their mother. Photo: Shelley Cox

Sadly, through the loss of these two lionesses, we have also likely lost five cubs. Two cubs belonging to the lioness killed in December have been confirmed dead, and although the three nine-month old cubs (pictured below) of the Hippo Creek female somehow survived the past two weeks, they are malnourished and unlikely to survive. 

We are devastated by what this means for our already struggling lion populations, but we remain committed to their protection.

However, we cannot do this without you.

In just four months, we have lost three tracking collars – critical tools for monitoring lion movements, responding to conflict situations, and detecting poaching threats. We were able to save the Hippo Creek Pride’s dominant male (below) from a snare solely due to his collar.  

Your Support Will Make a Difference

• $3,500 funds a satellite collar, a fitting, and tracking time for one lion
• $1,500 provides telemetry equipment for our field teams
• $250 covers immobilization drug costs for most species
• $100 contributes towards fuel for our teams on the ground
• $50 buys boots for a ranger on the ground

Fighting Back: Strengthening Lion Protection

Our collaborations in wildlife crime investigations are yielding results. Working with other conservation stakeholders, we are improving our coverage on the ground, our response times, and early warning systems to conserve these iconic animals. 



But we must be realistic – this threat is far from over. We need to act now. Your support will directly contribute to life-saving lion monitoring efforts. We need your help, have you seen an injured animal? Watched someone sell wildlife parts or products? Get in touch with us to let us know and make a difference to keeping our wildlife intact, and our tourism industry sustainable. 

Above: The Hippo Creek female was an extraordinary mother, raising multiple

litters and playing a crucial role in the recovery of Zambezi National Park’s 

lion population – and tourism appeal. This was her latest litter. Photo: Shelley Cox

Report Any Suspicions

Have you seen an injured animal?

Have you seen someone sell wildlife parts or products?

Please report anything suspicious to our team (contacts below). We need your help to make a difference in keeping our wildlife intact and our tourism industry sustainable.

Lastly, a huge thank you for your support – I know that together we can secure the future of Zambezi National Park's lions and continue the legacy of the Hippo Creek Pride as well as many others that balance our ecosystem and add to the biodiversity of this area.

Jessica Dawson

Executive Director