On Saturday 9 February, CLZ rescued an orphaned baby hippo, estimated to be about 2 weeks old. Christened “Douglas” the calf was observed by CLZ for several hours, completely alone and must have been either been orphaned or abandoned by his mother. For the first 1-2 weeks after giving birth, hippo mothers leave the pod to bond with their young. Douglas would almost certainly not have survived the night without his mother for protection from predators.

The hippo (Hippotamus Amphibius) is a vulnerable species on the IUCN species list and although they may seem common in the Lower Zambezi, we have the rare privilege of being home to one of Africa’s densest populations. The most recent global population estimates suggest that over the past 10 years there has been a 7–20% decline in Common Hippo populations. Although the causes of the population decline are known (exploitation and habitat loss), the threats have not ceased, nor is there evidence the threats will be removed in the near future.

Settled in his new home complete with plunge pool, Douglas is now feeding from a bottle with a formula put together on advice from various hippo experts including Karen Trendler. Every 2 hours Douglas is fed 1.25 litres of milk with 2 egg yolks and protexin vitamin supplements. His skin is hydrated with aqueous cream and all equipment is sterilised thoroughly. CLZ has employed two carers to ensure that Douglas has 24-hour supervision as well as constructing and maintaining his pen as a safe and comfortable space for him. As a baby hippo he is very needy but loving too!

ZAWA will ultimately decide the future of Douglas and we will keep you updated with progress. Huge thanks to Gerry Carben, Riccardo Garbaccio, Nat, Bbakasa and Sam at Royal Zambezi Lodge, Anna Tolan, Rachael Murton and everybody else who has assisted with time, efforts and supplies.

If you would like to help us look after Douglas we would be very grateful of any contributions big or small at www.virginmoneygiving.com/clz

CLZ 2012 Update – General

Helping local communities in the Lower Zambezi learn more about the importance of trees and dangers of deforestation – CLZ tree planting in Mugurameno, Chiawa Game Management, Zambia

Who do they belong to……the trees behind our village?  Us?

What about our children?

CLZ spent 14 December 2012 with a group of local community representatives discussing the current growing deforestation issue. Mainly women, are cutting trees for firewood and also for charcoal burning to use themselves and sell to passing traffic. CLZ discussed why and how this problem has arisen and what the local community think are the best solutions to enable our remaining trees to be protected for our children and ourselves. An informal about the importance of trees and dangers of deforestation followed and participants were passionate that if behaviour and attitudes didn’t change now then in the future we would face many difficulties including soil erosion, dry land and lack of firewood. It was agreed that it would be possible to go back to the old ways of using only dead wood for firewood as long as other ways of making money could be found. CLZ agreed to help more alternative income generating activity ideas that the participants wanted to be involved in. Over the next week the local community group from Mugurameno and Chimusambo (the most affected areas) are working on ideas that they think will benefit the population and provide a sustainable income to supplement that currently being received due to deforestation.

After lunch, the group travelled to a badly deforested area behind the village of Chimusambo and learnt how to plant and care for tree seedlings. In total, 100 winterthorn (faidherbia albida) seedlings were planted by the group.

Lower Zambezi Safari Guides Examining Committee

Lower Zambezi Safari Guides Exams

Lower Zambezi Safari Guide Training with Rory McDougall, Conservation Lower Zambezi

1.             General/Game Drive Course: 4-8 March (5 days)

K1,200,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K1,500,000 per person (non-CLZ members)

• general safari guide knowledge, aimed at general paper candidates;
• morning lectures and afternoons spent on practical drives

This rate is based on a minimum of 10 pupils attending the general course. If we do not have ten pupils registered by 5th February 2013 the course will be cancelled.

2.             Walking Safari Course: 11-16 March (6 days)

K1,575,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K1,950,000 per person (non-CLZ members)

• more advanced safari guide knowledge, aimed at walking paper candidates
• Morning practical walking safaris lectures and afternoon lectures

This rate is based on a minimum for 6 and maximum of 8 pupils attending the walking course. If we do not have 6 pupils registered by 12th February 2013 the course will be cancelled.

Please note the above rates for both training courses include a Safari Guide Training Manual, morning, afternoon tea and lunch every day. Breakfast, dinner and accommodation are excluded but can be provided at extra cost if necessary at the CLZ LZSG Accommodation rates 2013.

3.              Boating and Fishing Training Day: 17 March

K240,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K300,000 per person (non-CLZ members)

Lectures covering basic boat driving and mechanics as well as fishing equipment, techniques, etiquette and guest interaction for potential coxswains on the Lower Zambezi.

Includes lunch only.

4.               Canoeing Training Day: 18 March

K240,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K300,000 per person (non-CLZ members)

Lecture and practical experience covering all canoe guiding skills in the Lower Zambezi.

Includes lunch only.

Lower Zambezi Safari Guide Exams at Conservation Lower Zambezi

Written Theory exams:

K100,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K125,000 per person (non CLZ members)

• 21 March, 0800: General Theory Exam
• 22 March, 0800: Walking Theory Exam
• 22 March, 1400: Canoeing Theory Exam
• 23 March, 0800: Boating & Fishing Theory and Practical Exam

Practical Exams:

K375,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K500,000 per person (non CLZ members)

Cost includes 1 night food & accommodation at CLZ for hosting assessment.

• 25-26 March: Game Drive Practical Exam (1 night at CLZ)
• 27-28 March: Walking Practical Exam (1 night at CLZ)
• 4 April: Canoeing Practical Exam

N.B. For any candidates taking both game drive & walking practicals only 1 night need be spent at CLZ during the game drive practical exam. Further practical assessment of walking skills, will take place during the day at CLZ: Joint game drive and walking practical fee: K475,000 per person (CLZ members and LZ independents) K600,000 per person (non CLZ members)

The three most successful independent theory exam candidates from the Lower Zambezi will be sponsored by CLZ through practical exams (excluding accommodation).

Except for practical exams, food and accommodation is not included in exam fees and the CLZ LZSG Accommodation rates 2013 apply for anyone wishing to stay at CLZ over this period. Accommodation must be booked at the same time as exams. 

Entrance deadline FOR ALL EXAMS: 1 March 2013

• Lower Zambezi Safari Guide Training Manuals on sale at CLZ K200,000
• Lower Zambezi Safari Guide Exam Past Papers on sale at CLZ K40,000

Please see Lower Zambezi Safari Guiding for information on practical exam experience requirements and how LZSG licensing works. Please also note that if you wish to qualify for a LZSG license Zambia Wildlife Authorities will require proof of your Zambian residency and applicable First Aid qualifications (advanced for walking and canoeing, basic for boating & fishing and driving). Please e-mail here to reserve training or examination places.