Lion Park Harare, a wildlife sanctuary in Zimbabwe, provides a safe haven for lions and various other wild animals, offering tourists the opportunity to observe these creatures up close. Many of the animals residing in the park have been rescued from traps and the illegal pet trade.
However, the close interaction between the animals and human tourists doesn’t always bode well for the wildlife. Recently, the park shared a heartbreaking incident on their Facebook page, revealing the death of one of their wildebeest. An autopsy conducted on the deceased animal unveiled the presence of five plastic bags in its stomach, sparking outrage among social media users.
Commenting on the post, one user expressed their disgust and embarrassment at the irresponsibility displayed by people. The Lion Park Harare team shared the news on Facebook, stating, “Sad day today at the Lion Park Harare, we found one of our wildebeest dead in the park… After an autopsy was done they found 5 plastic bags in its stomach! This is why it is so important for all guests to use the dustbins provided and not litter in the game park!”
This incident highlights the growing concern of plastic pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, approximately five trillion plastic bags, similar to the ones consumed by the wildebeest, are purchased annually. Additionally, half of all plastic produced is single-use, meaning it is discarded after a single use.
Ingesting plastic is not only harmful but also becoming more prevalent among wildlife. Recently, a sick bear in Telluride, Colorado, had to be euthanized, and an examination revealed that its digestive tract had been obstructed by plastic for several months.
To address this issue, Lion Park Harare emphasizes the importance of visitors adhering to park rules and refraining from littering. It is crucial to recognize that littering should be avoided everywhere, but it is particularly careless to do so around endangered or threatened animals. Experiencing nature and observing wildlife is a privilege that should always prioritize minimizing harm and respecting the environment.
While nobody is perfect, we can all learn from these cautionary tales. This means refraining from littering, avoiding approaching animals for pictures, and abstaining from other thoughtless behaviors that tourists often engage in.
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