ZPHGA would like to make the following statement, regarding the ongoing investigation of the hunt outside Hwange that resulted in the death of Cecil the Lion at this time.
Zimbabwe Parks Wildlife Management Authority, are currently still conducting an investigation on the legalities of the hunt that took place and for which they are the appropriate authority to do so. We therefore can not and will not comment on the legal aspect, whilst this investigation is ongoing. ZPHGA are working together with ZPWMA and Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ).
ZPHGA confirms the Professional Hunter in charge of the Safari is a member of ZPHGA. Therefore ZPHGA can make a ruling on the aspect of ethics and his membership at this time.
ZPHGA in the follow up of the investigation concludes that in regarding the responsibility of his membership, the PH was is in violation of the ethics of ZPHGA.
ZPHGA therefore with immediate effect, suspend his membership indefinitely.
The professional hunter and company he works for have been co-operative in the investigation.
ZPHGA re-iterates it will not tolerate any illegal hunting or any unethical practices by any of its members and their staff.
ZPHGA will await the completion of the current investigation by ZPWMA before commenting any further.
We ask all members of ZPHGA, as well as the general public, to please respect the ongoing investigation underway by the appropriate authorities ZPWMA.
News Feed
Fellow Hunters, Guides and Safari Community
Richard Maasdorp and Gary Layard of The Zambezi Society yesterday visited the scene of the tragic incident which took place in Mana Pools National Park on Sunday 13th March and resulted in the deaths of Claudio Chiarelli and his son Max Chiarelli.
The two deceased died instantly when caught in the mistaken fire of a National Parks patrol of three rangers at about 3.30pm. - Sunday 13th March.
...Claudio and Max, together with Francesco Marconati were providing voluntary support to deploy two National Parks anti-poaching patrols consisting of 6 rangers with the intention of uplifting the three rangers who were in the field following fresh spoor of poachers.
The group had parked their vehicle on the side of the road in the middle section of the Mana Pools National Park to await the arrival of the three Park rangers who had been tracking poachers in dense bush since 9.00am. that morning.
The intention was to meet at the road and hand over three fresh rangers to continue the follow-up.
Claudio and Max Chiarelli with Francesco Marconati took the opportunity to open the bonnet of their vehicle to inspect the engine. Meanwhile, the 6 Park rangers they were transporting had dismounted from the vehicle and arranged themselves next to it while waiting for their three colleagues to arrive.
Unbeknown to them, the vehicle had been parked within just 15 metres of where the poachers’ tracks had crossed the road.
Meanwhile, the anti-poaching patrol in hot pursuit, heard voices, crouched down, and slowly moved forward through the thick undergrowth.
Through a gap in the bushes, they saw part of a blue shirt. They assumed this was a poacher and let off a burst of gunfire.
Tragically, both Claudio and Max were killed instantly.
As the anti-poaching patrol rangers were crouched, they were unable to see the road at all.
Fortunately, the 6 rangers awaiting deployment did not return fire.
Richard Maasdorp, Strategic Director of The Zambezi Society stated: “Today (Monday 14th March 2016), we witnessed a thorough on-site investigation by the Zimbabwe Police CID and members of the National Parks Investigations Branch and Senior Management.
The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and other state organs now, more than ever, need support and resources to contain their battle against wildlife poaching.”
Claudio was known and liked by every hunter and Guide in Zimbabwe. Max a talented young man taken too early.
We, Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association, extend our very deepest sympathy to Guliana and Virginia Chiarelli, family and friends on this terrible tragedy. The unselfish attitude of Claudio and Max Chiarelli, in assisting National Parks for anti-poaching, unfortunately cost them their lives and will not be forgotten.
This tragedy is deeply regretted.
Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association
To all the Proficiency candidates please note these will be held as from the 7th to the 10th of March 2016 in Matetsi. Exact camp will be advised in due course.
Candidates to please arrive on the 6th of March.
2016 SCI Convention kicks off today. Please visit us in booth 1251.
As always we strongly encourage you to book your safari with a ZPHGA or SOAZ member.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Planning on a first time or repeat African safari, be it photographic or hunting please stop by our booth at the 2016 DSC Convention. We are at booth A25.
Zimbabwean hospitality awaits you!
REMINDER - Memorial Service for the late Dr. Don Heath is being held today Monday the 14th of December at the Cleveland Pistol Club, Harare at 3pm.
There will be a "bring and braai" after the event for those that can stay. Please remember to bring a firearm for the shoot-off.
Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association added 40 new photos to the album: 2015 Hunters and Guides Awards.
ZPHGA 2015 AGM is here, Friday 27th of November in Bulawayo. Please remember only paid up members can attend the closed session.
See you there!!
Prizes secured for this year's Z.P.H.G.A. Photographic awards. Special thank you to AAVideos and John McMinn Optometrists.
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE DR. DON HEATH
A Memorial Service will be held for the late Dr. Don Heath
at the Methodist Church, Hillside, Bulawayo,
on Thursday 12 November.
Tea will be served at 17.00 hrs
and the service will commence at 17.30 hrs.
Friends and colleagues please accept this intimation.
Condolence messages can be sent to Sheila via our offices: zphga1@gmail.com
R.I.P.
Fellow Hunters, Guides & Safari Community
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we must advise all of the sudden and unexpected passing of Don Heath in Sweden on Saturday.
We remember Don not only as an ecologist, ex National Parks and PhD, but as a long time supporter and member of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association and for his untiring efforts to ensure the standards of our hunters and guides were second to none – individually and collective...ly we owe you a great deal of thanks Don for your meticulous approach and high standards, to qualify as either a PH or Guide was an achievement of note.
We also think back to Don’s pieces in the African Hunter magazine under the by line – Ganyana – they were always a good read...
On behalf of the Association we offer our deepest sympathies to Sheila and their two little ones – Iain and Johanna, we reach out to you all.
Letters of condolences can be sent to Sheila via our offices - zphga1@gmail.com
Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association added 12 new photos to the album: ZPHGA Photo Comp 2015.
Details and documents for this year's photography awards.
Entries can be submitted to Z.P.H.G.A. office in Harare "Att: Emmie, Photo Comp" or ProSaf office in Bulawayo "Att: Nikki, Photo Comp"
Taking entries for Z.P.H.G.A. Annual Photography Competition now. Deadline: 20th December 2015. No categories. 2 best pics WIN. Up to 8 'runners up'.
Proficiency tests:
Camp Setting: 22 October 2015
Inspections: 23 October 2015
Exam Dates: 23 - 29 October 2015
Venue: Chirisa Safari Area
Directions to the venue;
Get to the first four way stop in Gokwe, turn right where the garage is and drive on that road for about 70kms, you will see a big sign for the ZCC church, turn left drive for about 60km on that road. You will see the National Parks fence on the right hand side, follow it for about 5kms to get to the gate.
Wishing all the Candidates all the best!
Reminder - Canoeing Proficiency
Camp Setting: Sunday 18th October 2015
Exams: 19 - 21 October 2015
Venue: Chirundu (check in at Marongora National Parks offices)
Best wishes to all the candidates!
Reminder - Shooting Test tomorrow Sunday 27th of September at Cleveland Range @ 8.00am and Oral Interviews on Monday 28th of September at Boulton Atlantica.
Best wishes to all the students!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SHOOTING TEST WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT CLEVELAND RANGE, HARARE, ON SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2015.
A fee of $20 to be paid at Cleveland Range upon registration. Also remember to bring a minimum of 20 rounds of ammo.
THE ORAL INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER AT BOULTON ATLANTICA, HARARE.
... Please remember to register with National Parks and have relevant documents for the Oral Interviews.
Registration fee is $30.
ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
TIME TABLE FOR LEANER PROFESSIONAL HUNTER/ GUIDES EXAMINATION
DATES: 21 AND 22 SEPTEMBER 2015
...VENUE: HARARE POLYTECHNIC
MONDAY 21/09/15
FIRE ARMS: 0900hrs-1030hrs
MONDAY 21/09/15
HABITS AND HABITATS: 1100hrs-1230hrs
TUESDAY 22/09/15
GENERAL PAPER: 0900hrs-1030hrs
TUESDAY 22/09/15
LAW: 1100HRS
TUESDAY 22/09/15
CANOEING SPECIAL PAPER: 1300hrs
Best wishes to all the students!!
