Home arrow Network News arrow Network News arrow ZCTF: Farewell to Tusker
ZCTF: Farewell to Tusker
It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce that Tusker/Dustbin was shot at around 11:30 this morning.

We received well over 4000 signatures from people all over the world in a
desperate plea for his life to be spared. The shooting was scheduled
for Monday, the 7th January so it came as a great shock to hear that he
was shot today.

Tusker's life has been on the line for some
time now but the New Year's party that was held at Charara this year
was the straw that broke the camel's back. We have had reports of drugs
and alcohol being abused at the party by some of the youngsters who
attended. It has been confirmed that they were pulling hairs out of
Tusker's tail and slapping him on the rump and running away laughing.
They were driving around the camp at high speeds, flashing headlights
in Tusker's eyes and hooting at him and we have also had reports of
fireworks and beer bottles being thrown at him. Despite all this
senseless abuse, we have had no reports of Tusker hurting anyone which
is testament to his basic good nature.


His crime, which lead to his death penalty is that he damaged some cars in
his search for food. It is not clear how many cars were damaged. We
have had reports that the number was between 2 and 7.

The authorities will probably argue that they have a responsibility to
protect the humans and that it would only have been a matter of time
before somebody was killed by Tusker. Our argument is that a party of
this magnitude, which is attended every year by thousands of youngsters
should not be held in a National Park. This is why it is called a "game
reserve" and not a "people reserve". There is a sign near the entrance
of Charara camp that states "No loud music after 9pm" and "no
fireworks". The proprietors of Charara camp hire the biggest music
system in Zimbabwe and the music is so loud, it can be heard from 2 km
away. Where were the organizers of the party when the youngsters
started throwing fireworks at Tusker? How do people bring their
children up so that they behave in such a despicable manner?

We would like thank all you wonderful people, from the bottom of our
hearts for trying to help us to save Tusker. We had no idea he was
loved so much by so many people all over the world. Zimbabwe, and
indeed the world has suffered a great loss today.


Goodbye my big friend!

Best wishes

Johnny Rodrigues

Chairman for Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force
Tel: 263 4 336710
Fax/Tel: 263 4 339065
Mobile: 263 11 603 213
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.zimbabwe-art.com
Website: www.zctf.mweb.co.zw
Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15148470211
 

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