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Leonard Ncube
Victoria Falls Reporter
REIGNING Miss Universe World 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua had an unforgettable adventure in Victoria Falls yesterday, where she got up close and personal with elephants and cheetahs for the first time in her life.
Accompanied by Miss Universe Zimbabwe licence holder Tendai Hunda, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 Brooke Bruk-Jackson, and a delegation of local and international partners, Palacios was welcomed by Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and patron of Miss Universe Zimbabwe.
Palacious is on a two-day visit to the country courtesy of Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisers in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
The visit is part of her world tour before she hands over the title to her successor in November.
Her visit comes hardly a month after Nicaragua opened its Embassy in Harare, as the two countries strengthen their ties.
Palacios was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe, in El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador, taking over from R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States.
Anntonia Porsild of Thailand was the first runner-up while Australian model Moraya Wilson was voted second runner-up.
Her win marked the first time a Nicaraguan had clinched the Miss Universe crown, and she was making a maiden visit to Zimbabwe.
She previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant, emerging among the top 10, and in the 2021 Miss World pageant.
After lunch at Palm River Hotel, the crew went to the Elephant and Cheetah Experience where they posed for photos, fed and walked with elephants.
Palacios interacted with a female elephant nicknamed ‘Mouse’ with its calf Tumaini, while Col Baloyi-Chiwenga interacted with Bonface, the biggest male among the eight elephants domesticated at the facility.
The other tour members interacted with Tongwe, another female elephant.
They later walked with two cheetahs, ‘Zuba’ and ‘Nicky’, and took turns to pose for pictures.
“The experience was incredible. I feel a lot of energy from the elephants and the baby elephant (Tumaini),” said Palacios.
“Victoria Falls is incredible and all of you are incredible and humble, making me feel very comfortable. My experience with the cheetahs was amazing, and they give the vibes.
“Thailand was my first time with the elephants and here was my first time with cheetahs, so it was incredible,” said a thrilled Palacios.
Her other interaction with elephants was in Kenya, making Zimbabwe her third experience. She was charmed by the elephant which are partly domesticated, as they also go out in the wild during the day.
Later in the afternoon, the group went for a sunset boat cruise before being taken to the Boma Dinner and Drum Show for a taste of Zimbabwean traditional food, as the country continues to promote traditional dishes.
Palacios also said she loved the music and dancing as she joined Ilembe Shining Stars to dance to imbube music at the airport.
She said she loved the weather as she freely interacted with people, pledging to help market Zimbabwe to the world.
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga said the visit was strategic to cement bilateral relations and promote the Brand Zimbabwe campaign.
“We are here in Victoria Falls bringing the reigning Miss Universe 2023. So, we thought it very prudent to bring her here because you can never enjoy Zimbabwe without coming to Victoria Falls, which we know is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” said Col Baloyi-Chiwenga.
“Bringing her here is part of the strategy by the Miss Universe Zimbabwe to support Government efforts to promote Brand Zimbabwe because we realised that more often Zimbabwe receives unnecessary negative publicity, but when visitors come here they start to appreciate the good things about Zimbabwe. We have been hosting our guest and we are so happy to be here.”
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga said the tour was also meant to support Government diplomatic efforts after Nicaragua opened its embassy in Harare.
Palacious also interacted with local models, including budding beauties, for them to learn some tips from the visiting queen.
Online Reporter