Nyanga park loses 4 horses to stray lions

May 27, 2008

Nyanga National Park has lost four horses in the past month to lions, which mauled to death three in the first instance before killing one more.

Sources from the park said the attacks by lions had taken a worrisome consistency.

"The horses were not being kept in their respective stables but were being kept huddled up in a pen without protection and this made it easy for lions to attack them.

"Three horses were first mauled before they were put in their proper places at night. Another was mauled recently when it reportedly panicked and broke a door after seeing a lion," said the source.

The National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has assured tourists intending to visit Nyanga National Park that they will be safe from any attacks by lions that have been spotted in the park recently.

Parks spokesman Retired Edward Major Mbewe confirmed the deaths of the horses but said their operations were progressing as usual.

He said tourists had nothing to fear, as their safety would be guaranteed.

"This is not an uncommon occurrence and it’s not the first time we have lost horses. It’s normal for lions to look for easy prey and our horses were easy prey. Our mandate, though, is to keep them protected and we are doing that by providing reliable stables.

"I must say we have noticed that the lions are now frequenting the area more often than before but that should not deter tourists because people can come and see these lions," said Rtd Major Mbewe.

He said lions believed to be coming from across the border were not a common feature in Nyanga.

Rtd Major Mbewe said hikers would be protected when they go on their walks.

"Our rangers are always there and well equipped to take tourists on guided walks and this situation should be a plus as people now visiting Nyanga can be lucky enough to see lions," he said.

The authority has also reintroduced its Moonlight Wilderness Trails meant to give tourists an opportunity to observe habitats and understand nature as well as animal habits.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will soon award a tender for the reopening of its restaurant, bakery and service station in Hwange National Park.

The facilities were shut down last year when the lessee, Mr Maurice Kantor, closed his business citing viability problems.

Rtd Maj Mbewe said potential candidates for the lease had been short-listed and were awaiting approval from the authority’s board.

"We flighted advertisements inviting potential bidders and some people responded by way of submitting their applications.

"These have been opened and candidates short-listed. At the moment, we are waiting for the approval by the board," Rtd Major Mbewe said.

He also said it was the authority’s hope that the business venture is awarded to one company.

"We are looking at a situation whereby if possible, the whole business venture be awarded to one company as it was before.

"Fuel has been one major hindrance when it comes to travelling.

"We strongly believe that with fuel at all the parks’ service stations, arrivals might be improved.

"This is one area that we would want to see being active and running," he said. — HR-Bulawayo Bureau.