Department of National Parks & Wildlife

Department of National Parks & Wildlife Protecting and conserving Zambia's wildlife estates and improving the quality of life among communities & maintenance of sustainable biodiversity.

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE PAGE. The Department of National parks and Wildlife Services is governed by the Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015 under guidance of the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. The primary objectives are:

1. To protect and conserve Zambia's wildlife and improve the quality of the life among communities in the wildlife estates.
2. Maintenance of

sustainable biodiversity in national parks and game management areas.
3. To reverse the decline in wildlife resources.
4. To improve wildlife resource management to a level which will secure sustainable flow of benefits from the resources; and
5. To considerably improve the wildlife resource base investment in co-operation with the private sector and local communities. ZAWA has a significant role to play in the economic development of Zambia and its economic realization will significantly contribute to the GDP of Zambia. The following are among Zambia's noteble National Parks:

Kafue National Park (KNP)
South Luangwa National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Liuwa National Park
Lusaka National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
North Lungwa National Park
Lukusuzi National Park
Nyika National Park

PRESS STATEMENTFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMINISTRY OF TOURISM COMMENDS SUCCESSFUL STING OPERATION OF A NOTORIOUS IVORY TRAFFIC...
13/04/2025

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINISTRY OF TOURISM COMMENDS SUCCESSFUL STING OPERATION OF A NOTORIOUS IVORY TRAFFICKER IN LUSAKA

Lusaka, Zambia 13th April, 2025

The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), has apprehended a notorious ivory kingpin and five accomplices in a sting operation conducted today, 13th April 2025, in Lusaka’s 6 Miles area along the Great North Road around 12:30 hours.

This operation was as the result of credible intelligence from members of the public concerning the illegal activities of a Congolese national involved in wildlife trafficking. DNPW officers from the Intelligence and Investigations Unit intercepted a silver Toyota Quantum Hiace minibus, registration number BAZ 6727 ZM, which was found loaded with elephant ivory weighing 528.8 kilograms an alarming amount that highlights the scale of this illicit trade.

72 pieces of elephant ivory packed in 20 sackbags have been confiscated from the suspects.

This milestone operation reflects Zambia’s strong stance against wildlife crime and our commitment to the protection of endangered species such as elephants.

Commenting on the operation, DNPW Director Mr. Dominic Chiinda stated:
“This interception sends a clear message that Zambia is not a safe haven for wildlife criminals. We remain vigilant and steadfast in our mission to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks. The collaboration between the public, law enforcement and conservation stakeholders is critical and we thank all those who played a role in this successful operation.”

The six suspects will be formally charged under the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, with the following offences: Hunting or dealing with elephant or rhinoceros – Section 127 (1)(a)(b), (2)(a)(b). Unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy – Section 130 (1)(2) as read with Section 87 (4).

The Ministry encourages members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities and pledges its continued efforts to protect Zambia’s precious natural heritage.
Illegal dealing in wildlife products is a serious crime. Offenders will face the full force of the law.

Issued by
Nelly Banda (Mrs)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism
[email protected]

Senior Officials from the Department of National Parks & Wildlife Regions , Area Management Units and Chilanga Headquar...
18/03/2025

Senior Officials from the Department of National Parks & Wildlife Regions , Area Management Units and Chilanga Headquarters are meeting for strategic planning for efficient and effective management of the country s wildlife management areas. The Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rodney Malindi Sikumba officiated at the opening ceremony.

The Department of National Parks & Wildlife joined the Republican President , Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the rest of the...
12/03/2025

The Department of National Parks & Wildlife joined the Republican President , Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the rest of the country in celebrating Youth Day at the National event in Mongu, Western Province

POACHING INCIDENT CLAIMS YOUNG WHITE RHINOCEROS IN MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARKLusaka, 11th March 2025. The Ministry of T...
11/03/2025

POACHING INCIDENT CLAIMS YOUNG WHITE RHINOCEROS IN MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK

Lusaka, 11th March 2025.
The Ministry of Tourism, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), regrets to inform the public of the tragic loss of a young White Rhinoceros due to poaching in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

The distressing Incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 11th March 2025, between 02:00 and 03:00 hours. Unknown poachers infiltrated the park under the cover of darkness and dense vegetation, fatally shooting a three-year-old rhinoceros before fleeing with its horns.

The suspects remain on the run and an intensive investigation has been launched by the DNPW, in collaboration with the Forensic Department of the Zambia Police Service, to bring the perpetrators to justice.

This loss is a severe blow to Zambia’s conservation efforts, as the White Rhinoceros is one of the country’s most iconic wildlife species and a significant attraction for tourism, particularly in the Tourism Capital, Livingstone.

The poaching of rhinos has been on the rise in Southern Africa, with Zambia also experiencing this unfortunate trend. Last year, two rhinos were poached at a game ranch in Kazungula.

In response, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife has intensified night surveillance and security measures to protect the remaining nine White Rhinoceroses in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.

We reaffirm our commitment to enhancing anti-poaching strategies, employing tested conservation practices and working closely with law enforcement agencies and conservation partners to safeguard Zambia’s wildlife heritage.

We make an urgent appeal to members of the public who may have any information regarding the perpetrators of this crime to report to the nearest DNPW office or Zambia Police Service. A reward will be given.

Public cooperation is crucial in the fight against wildlife crime and we encourage all stakeholders to play a role in preserving our natural heritage.

The Ministry of Tourism remains resolute in its efforts to combat poaching and ensure the protection of Zambia’s wildlife for future generations.

Issued by
Nelly Banda
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism
[email protected]

08/03/2025

South Luangwa

08/03/2025

Chilanga

08/03/2025

West Lunga

08/03/2025

Chirundu ; Lower Zambezi

08/03/2025

Chilanga

08/03/2025

DNPW Kasempa

Address

Private Bag1, Kafue Road
Chilanga

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+260211278482

Website

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