In the field of protecting wildlife, a significant oak has been felled. Tuesday saw the shooting death of Anton Mzimba, a Greater Kruger employee of 25 years. All throughout the world, tributes have flooded in. Even the British Royal Family’s Prince William has shown his appreciation.
At this moment, the specifics of the murder are still vague.
Mzimba advanced through the Timbavati Private Game Reserve’s ranks. He was appointed their Head of Services in 2008, and over the next 14 years, he performed his duties to an extraordinarily high quality. Prince William acknowledged his efforts in 2021.
Prince William visited Microsoft HQ this afternoon to see how technology can help with the detection of illegal wildlife products.
Whilst there he spoke to a wildlife ranger about the effect of the pandemic on poaching. pic.twitter.com/zVJho7XPbB
— The Royal Family Channel (@RoyalFamilyITNP) November 18, 2021
The second-in-line to the throne behind his father Charles, a member of the royal family, praised Mr. Mzimba as a “dedicated and fearless” ranger. He is calling for a “swift course of justice” and has expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family.
“I was shocked to find that Anton Mzimba, with whom I chatted in November, had passed away. Rangers like Anton, who are dedicated and courageous, are essential to preserving Africa’s beautiful wildlife. The perpetrators must be immediately brought to account. I’m thinking of his family.
Prince William
Yesterday, representatives of the Timbavati Reserve issued a special tribute for one of their own. The moving obituary described how Anton Mzimba sacrificed his life to protect rhinos from the cruel ivory trade.
“We mourn the loss of Mr. Anton Mzimba, Head of Ranger Services, who dedicated 25 years of his life to the Timbavati. Our Greater Kruger landscape has not only lost a great man, but we have lost a special family member, a rhino warrior, a wildlife guardian, and a loved one.”
“Anton Mzimba was an exceptionally passionate, courageous, and spiritual man. Those who had the pleasure of meeting him, spending time with him and working with him, will know how he dedicated his life to what he believed in.”
Timbavati Reserve