Elephant scamp scuttles business
By Times Reporter
From The Times of Zambia

TONGABEZI has temporarily shifted business from the Livingstone Island to a manager’s house in the town centre following repeated attacks by a wounded elephant on the resort.
The lone elephant, which destroyed structures at the resort last week was again on rampage at the weekend and again sent tourists and Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officers scampering in different directions.
Tongabezi manager, Lloyd Shambira said business had since been shifted from the island to some temporary office in the town centre until the situation returns to normal.
Mr Shambira, who claimed he had noticed a swollen leg on the elephant, urged Zawa to act quickly instead of waiting for it to kill someone before acting.
He said the local ZAWA staff had been claiming that they were waiting for permission from headquarters in Chilanga.
But when reached for a comment, ZAWA director general, Lewis Saiwana said he had not received any report on the hostile animal and assured that the situation would be dealt with immediately.
Dr Saiwana said if the animal was causing terror, it should be eliminated rather than wait for it to kill somebody before acting.
He said he would immediately ask the ZAWA staff in Livingstone to assess the situation and act appropriately.
He said if it was wounded, the authority would send veterinary personnel to treat it.

Jeez, they're really running on African time, ain't they? Getting permission may take a bit longer, meanwhile, the critter's gonna do some more damage.

quote:

He said he would immediately ask the ZAWA staff in Livingstone to assess the situation and act appropriately.
He said if it was wounded, the authority would send veterinary personnel to treat it.

Gotta love this quote. I guess you could dart it, but why go to all the trouble for a brazen, aggressive ele.

JPK

They should kill it without waiting any longer.

"Dr Saiwana said if the animal was causing terror, it should be eliminated rather than wait for it to kill somebody before acting."