Animals struggling to survive on Zimbabwe's Starvation Island as record rainfall swells Kariba Lake

Published: 7:00AM BST 03 Jun 2010 Starvation Island in northern Zimbabwe is living up to its name as rising lake waters have submerged large tracts of grazing land relied on by hundreds of animals. The island has shrunk to about one-third of its original size after record seasonal rains from central Africa drained into the Kariba lake. The two-square-mile island has become four dots of land in the lake, stranding hundreds of animals without enough to eat. At least 200 animals are in immediate danger of starvation, conservationists have warned. Eight impalas were stuck on one part that was surrounded by encroaching water, said wildlife guide Richard Vickery. Two impalas managed to swim to larger rocks nearby as their tiny refuge shrank. But more than 20 animals plunged into the water and seven of them drowned, Mr Vickery said. Some of the exhausted survivors swam to safety and others were assisted by a boat of rescuers holding them by the horns to keep their heads above water for the last stretch of their escape. Elephants and some other animals have routinely swum to and from the island, but smaller species of antelope, kudu, buck, warthogs and monkeys either won’t dare swim more than a few feet or are too weak reach the main lake shore about two miles away. …

Animals struggling to survive on Zimbabwe’s Starvation Island