Six elephants collared in the Hwange landscape

(Hwange, Zimbabwe – 9 September 2026) – Six African savannah elephants have been fitted with GPS-enabled satellite collars in and around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. 

The collaring of three female and three male elephants is part of an ongoing conservation programme that began in early 2024, bringing the total number of elephants collared through the ZimParks-IFAW partnership to 30. 

The operation was led by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) in collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.  

The collars transmit location data via satellite, enabling conservation teams to track elephant movements, identify areas where human-wildlife conflict may occur, and better understand how elephants use the broader landscape. This information supports the development of early warning systems, the identification of critical wildlife corridors, and informed long-term land-use planning. 

“This work demonstrates how science and technology can strengthen conservation efforts,” said Phillip Kuvawoga, IFAW Senior Director for the Landscape Conservation Programme. “Every collar helps us better understand elephant movements and develop practical solutions that reduce conflict and protect this iconic species.” 

The project contributes to IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative, a visionary conservation programme working across 320,000 square kilometres of connected habitat in eastern and southern Africa to secure, restore, and reconnect landscapes so that elephants and other wildlife can move freely and safely between habitats. The data generated through this collaring programme will help identify and safeguard the corridors and dispersal areas that are essential to achieving this vision. 

“Conservation decisions are strongest when guided by sound scientific evidence,” said Professor Edson Gandiwa, Director General of ZimParks. “Through our partnership with IFAW, this programme is generating valuable information to strengthen elephant management and support coexistence between people and wildlife.” 

Thanks to the generous support of the Postcode Loterij and its players. 

Ends 

Press contacts 

Caroline Gwature 
Communications Officer, Zimbabwe 
m: +263 788 43 1730 
e: cgwature@ifaw.org  

Christina Pretorius 
Communications Director, Africa 
m: +27 82 330 2558  
e: cpretorius@ifaw.org