Leading conservationist killed in Tanzania
Wayne Lotter dismantled some of the most important ivory trafficking groups in Africa.
Leading elephant conservationist, Wayne Lotter has been shot and killed in Tanzania.
From working as a ranger in his native South Africa to leading the change against poaching in Tanzania, Mr Lotter dedicated his life to Africa’s wildlife.
In 2009, he co-founded the PAMS Foundation - an organisation that supports Tanzania’s conservation through actions that benefit nature, wildlife and communities. Through his work with PAMS, Wayne developed an intelligence-based approach to anti-poaching and dismantled some of the most important ivory trafficking groups in Africa.
A statement on the PAMS website reads: “We are heartbroken to share the news that PAMS Foundation co-founder, Wayne Lotter was shot and killed last night [16 August] in the Masaki District of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“Wayne believed communities were the best protectors of the continent’s animals. Through his work with PAMS, he helped train thousands of village game scouts in every corner of the country. His ground-breaking work in developing an intelligence-based approach to anti-poaching helped successfully reverse the rampant rates of poaching facing Tanzania.”
It continues: “Wayne’s charm, brilliance and eccentric sense of humour gave him the unique ability to make those around him constantly laugh and smile. He died bravely fighting for the cause he was most passionate about.”
News of Wayne’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the conservation community.
A tribute to the conservationist by Born Free reads: ‘He was a trailblazer, the kind of conservationist you feel privileged to know. For the last two years he provided Born Free with his unlimited expertise and - as importantly - his immeasurable encouragement in our efforts to protect elephants at Babile Elephant Sanctuary, Ethiopia. He was warm and generous and confidence building.’
International Wildlife charity WildAid said: “For decades, Wayne was a fearless and vocal advocate for wildlife and wild places. Despite the obstacles that he faced, and there were many, Wayne was always planning the next step, looking for ways to extend PAMS' reach and, to his dismay, spending precious time seeking funds to do it with. Many people and organisations were only too glad to give him those funds.”
PAMS co-founder Krissie Clark has set up a trust in Wayne’s name to help support his family and pay for costs associated with his death. The trust aims to raise $50,000 dollars and anything raised above this will be used to continue his legacy.
A police investigation into Mr Lotter’s death is now underway.
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