Admore Mbonda
Kariba-In a heart-wrenching incident that highlights the dangers faced by wildlife conservationists, 62-year-old Josphat Mandishara, a dedicated ranger with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), tragically lost his life after being trampled by an elephant on March 13, 2025. This incident occurred in the Gatche-gatche area of Kariba, underscoring the perilous conditions rangers often encounter while protecting wildlife.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the news, expressing the organization’s deep sorrow at the untimely passing of Ranger Mandishara. “The safety of our staff and wildlife is our utmost priority, and we are committed to taking the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he stated.
The unfortunate event took place around 10:00 PM during a routine patrol. Ranger Mandishara, accompanied by two fellow rangers and a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), was conducting an inspection at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme when he ventured back to their boat. It was during this brief moment that he encountered a charging elephant, which fatally injured him.
Following the incident, Mandishara’s remains were transported to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem examination, while local authorities were notified. In response to the tragic event, ZimParks has mobilized rangers from the Charara Safari Area to address the situation with the problematic elephant.
The loss of Ranger Mandishara is not just a personal tragedy; it reflects a broader issue as wildlife rangers globally face increasing risks in their line of duty. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 150 rangers lose their lives each year while protecting wildlife and ecosystems, a figure that may be understated due to unreported cases. In Africa, the Game Rangers Association recorded 100 ranger deaths from June 2021 to 2022, with a staggering 95 fatalities occurring while on duty. Since 2011, at least 565 African rangers have been killed in action.
This incident also comes on the heels of a recent attack in Kariba, where a local woman was injured by a hyena, further emphasizing the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
As ZimParks mourns the loss of Ranger Mandishara, Director General Prof. Edson Gandiwa and the entire ZimParks family extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. “He will be remembered for his dedication and service to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe,” Farawo remarked.
The sacrifices made by wildlife rangers are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in the preservation of biodiversity. As communities continue to grow and encroach on wildlife habitats, the risks faced by these brave individuals only increase. The call for greater support and protective measures for wildlife rangers has never been more urgent.