Clash over Victoria Falls zoo

A fierce clash has erupted in Victoria Falls over the construction of a multi-million-dollar 80-acre theme park by Africa Albida Tourism.

Environmental activists are arguing that the project will turn the natural wildlife park into a zoo. According to a document compiled by Victoria Falls residents, Tour Operators Association and environmental activists, the development of Santoga Park will disturb the natural beauty of the mighty Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

“This proposed 80-acre development blocks the last remaining game corridor in the town, the Zambezi drive loop and the area around the famous big tree preventing the natural passage of wildlife seen often in and around town.

“Victoria Falls town has long been regarded as a town within a national park where wildlife has right of way.

“Where else in the world does one find elephants wandering down the high street — buffalo and warthog grazing in the suburbs?

“The fencing of this area will only help increase human-wildlife conflict. All the animals intending to go to the Zambezi River will now have to pass through the high-density suburbs; thereby putting lives of many at risk,” reads part of the document.

They further urged Zimbabweans to protect natural tourists attractions to avoid situations like what happened to the Niagara Falls in the United States which is now a pale shadow of its former self after humans disturbed nature.

“Theme parks belong in areas that lack natural resources not in the middle of one of the greatest resources on the planet, not in a national park area, not in an area that has been preserved as a game corridor to the Zambezi River.”

In response, Africa Albida Tourism’s chairman Mr Dave Glynn defended the Santoga Park project saying it will largely focus on telling the history of Victoria Falls under one roof.

“Under the Santoga project, we will take tourists through the history of Victoria Falls; we will have cultural experts housed at the theme park. It’s not a zoo, it’s a botanical garden but we will add animals to complete the nature which will be shown to the world.

“Those who have grievances are free to air them through the relevant authorities because we are still waiting for clearance to start construction. The project has been on the cards for eight years and it’s one of the investments that the country needs,” said Mr Glynn.