Zimbabwe's wildlife agency said on Monday it would move hundreds of elephants and other animals, in a dramatic bid to save them from a lethal drought.

At least 120 elephants have already died over the past two months, as the country grapples with one of the worst droughts in its history.

The parks and wildlife authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, said they are moving 600 elephants, two prides of lions comprising between five and 10 members, a pack of wild dogs, 50 buffalos, 40 giraffes and 2 000 impalas.

The animals will be moved from Save Conservancy, a major park in southeastern Zimbabwe to three other game reserves, and Farawo said this will be the biggest translocation in Zimbabwe.

He added that the transfer will start during the rainy season, which usually kicks off from around the middle of November, when pastures and foliage start flourishing.