Operation Noah (Kariba)

Operation Noah was a wildlife rescue operation in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) lasting from 1958 to 1964, caused by the creation of Lake Kariba on the Zambezi by the Kariba Dam. In the late 1950s, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) became home to the world’s largest man-made dam - a hydroelectric power station built across the Zambezi River, about 400km from Victoria Falls. It would provide power for most of the country, but in the process form Lake Kariba and flood the Zambezi Valley – home to thousands of native animals. In a wildlife rescue operation lasting 5 years, over 6000 animals were rescued and relocated to the mainland.^[1]

The operation was led by Rupert Fothergill. Wildlife moved from the rising waters and largely relocated to Matusadona National Park and around Lake Kariba.^[2] Over 6,000 animals (elephant, antelope, rhino, lion, leopard, zebra, warthog, small birds and even snakes) were rescued.^[3]

Notes

1. ^ Operation Noah
2. ^ Lake Kariba
3. ^ African Safaris Guide

See also

• Kariba Dam