From 1998 the Robert Magabe ZANU-PF government of Zimbabwe started a massive land-grab program which led to most commercial farmers in Zimbabwe having their land taken away and given to government officials.
In most cases the wildlife on the ranches and farms was soon destroyed.
It was a joy to drive along the road from Beitbridge to West Nicholson on the Bulawayo road, or from Beitbridge to Masvingo on the Harare road. As you drove past these ranches you could often see a great variety of animals including different kinds of antelope, buffalo and giraffe. In my many travels in the 1990s and 2000s I even saw Cheetah, Leopard and Elephant.
Sadly most of the game is now gone.
This photo was taken on the Masvingo road near the Lion and Elephant Hotel soon after this ranch was taken over. We were driving past when we witnessed this scene. The Giraffe had been snared with wire and killed for meat. My son and mom look on.