Posted on August, 18 2017

WWF statement on the death of Wayne Lotter, Co-founder & Chairman, PAMS Foundation

Nairobi, 18 August 2017 – WWF expresses its profound sadness and outrage on the death of Wayne Lotter, co-founder and chairman, PAMS Foundation in a tragic attack in Dar Es Salaam on Wednesday. Our hearts go out to his wife and daughters, and our thoughts are with PAMS staff and partners.
 
A devoted conservationist and defender of wildlife, Wayne dedicated his life to protecting Africa’s wildlife. From his early days as a ranger in South Africa to his most recent efforts against organised poaching syndicates in Tanzania, Wayne’s commitment was inspiring to all who had the opportunity to work with him.
 
Dr Margaret Kinnaird, Leader, Wildlife Practice, WWF International said:
"Wayne was both a personal friend to many in WWF and a highly respected and admired conservation partner. He believed wholly in the power of communities to create change and today, he leaves behind thousands of village game scouts who continue to bravely fight illegal wildlife crime in Tanzania. It is time we all unite to urge stronger protection for environmental conservationists and wildlife defenders like Wayne who dedicate their lives to protect people, wildlife and places for all."
 
Dr Amani Ngusaru, Country Director, WWF-Tanzania said: 
"Wayne Lotter’s death will be a major set-back in fighting against poaching in Tanzania. PAMS Foundation helped to train thousands of game scouts and supported community outreach campaigns for elephant conservation work around the Selous Game Reserve in collaboration with WWF. Wayne developed an “intelligence-based approach” to anti-poaching that became quite successful in addressing poaching and wildlife trafficking in Tanzania. Wayne will be remembered for his dedication and passion for wildlife conservation in Africa."
 
Rohit Singh, WWF Wildlife Enforcement Specialist and President, Ranger Federation of Asia said:
"I am deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of Wayne Lotter, a great conservationist, a close friend and a staunch supporter of rangers. Wayne played a pivotal role in forming the Ranger Federation of Asia, an organisation established to connect and support rangers. His contribution towards rangers and wildlife will always be remembered."
 
 WWF calls on the Tanzanian authorities to urgently investigate Wayne Lotter’s murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.