Abashimba - the return of lions to Nsumbu

Описание: What does it take to bring back a species – and what does it mean for an ecosystem?
In 2024 a significant milestone was reached in Zambia’s Nsumbu National Park: lions were successfully returned to the park after an absence of over a decade. The reintroduction hinged on years of careful planning, extensive stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with partners.
In this landscape, the return of lions is both an ecological milestone and a cultural homecoming. For the people of Nsama Chiefdom – the Abashimba, or, “clan of the lion” – this species holds deep cultural significance. Abashimba: The Return of Lions to Nsumbu follows the rebirth of a national park, exploring the complexities of conservation and the deeply rooted ties between people, wildlife, and place.
"Abashimba - Return of Lions to Nsumbu" tells the interwoven story of these cultural ties, a national park coming back to life, and the complexities of wildlife restoration.
Produced by: Conservation Connect Films in collaboration with Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme
Directed by: Matthew Blair and Mana Meadows
Director of Photography: Matthew Blair
Lead Editor: Benjamin Haskins
Colourist: Robyn Nesbitt
Final Mix: Grey Room Studio

The Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) is a long-term conservation partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife. The NTCP’s mission is ‘conserving landscapes, enriching lives’.

👉 Discover more about our joint conservation efforts in NTCP: https://fzs.org/en/projects/zambia/ns...

\\\\

The Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP), which is a partnership between FZS and Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), is committed to following internationally defined best practice in the planning and implementation of species reintroductions. A committee of experts was established in 2023 including representation from DNPW veterinary and ecology departments, Zambia Carnivore Project, and community representation from the Nsama Chiefdom and Community Resource Board. This diverse platform ensures that lion reintroduction plans have secured the buy in from relevant stakeholders and have carefully considered potential impacts.

More than just restoring biodiversity, lions have cultural significance in this landscape. The surrounding area is the cultural wellspring of the Tabwa people, whose Royal Family identifies as the “Clan of the Lions” — or "Abashimba." NTCP is collaborating with the Zambia-based production company, @RustyMokoro, to tell the full story of what it takes to be bring back the apex predator to a recovering landscape. The full documentary, to be released in 2025 after the reintroduction has been completed, will explore the complexities of this substantial task.

\\\\

Our projects & programmes: https://fzs.org/en/programs/
Follow us on Social Media: https://fzs.org/fb https://fzs.org/Instagram https://fzs.org/linkedin

#FrankfurtZoologicalSociety #MakingConservationCount #Abashimba #Nsumbu #LakeTanganyika #WildlifeConservation #EcologicalRestoration #SaveTheLions #ConservationDocumentary #NsumbuTanganyika #africanwildlife