Escaped zebras cause a stir in Harare suburbs

Two zebras — believed to be part of a family that escaped from the Lion and Cheetah Park — caused a stir in Budiriro and Kuwadzana, Harare, yesterday morning.

One of the zebras was found in Budiriro 3 and taken to Tichagarika Shopping Centre in Glen View while the other was found at a house in Kuwadzana 5 where it had been trapped. Officials from National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority later rescued the animals.

Budiriro residents reportedly attacked the zebra, which they tied with a rope and dragged it to the shopping centre. Said Ms Rumbidzai Mashiri of Budiriro 3: “The zebra sought refuge in our toilet after the mob attacked it with stones.”

An official from Parks, with the assistance of policemen, used force to disperse people gathered to catch a glimpse of the animal.

Occupants at the Kuwadzana house where the other Zebra got trapped alerted Parks officials. One of the Parks officials, Mr Anton Newton, said there was nothing sinister with wild animals appearing in the suburbs.

“There is nothing mysterious about this. The animals have escaped,” he said. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau urged game park owners to put adequate security at their premises.

“Imagine if they were lions, what could have happened? So we are calling upon them to ensure that there is adequate security on their premises,” he said.

Insp Sabau warned people against killing stray animals.