Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Zimpapers Writer
TWO zebras that caused a stir after being spotted roaming Bulawayo’s city centre early Sunday morning were safely rescued following a coordinated operation involving wildlife authorities, the city council and a private conservation organisation.
The animals were successfully captured and are now being cared for at the Free to Be Wild sanctuary in Burnside, which is run by wildlife conservationist Ms Baye Pigors.
In a statement, Ms Pigors said the zebras were located on Joshua Mqabuko Street at around 7am after reports from members of the public.
“We managed to locate them on Main Street around 7am. We suspect they received pressure from dog poachers on the outskirts of the Bulawayo region, which is how and why they were pushed into town. Confused and disoriented, they did not know how to escape,” she said.
Ms Pigors said the rescue was a joint effort involving her team from Free to Be Wild, the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), Bulawayo City Council rangers and members of the public.
“Myself, along with my team, Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife, City Council rangers, and members of the Bulawayo community managed to herd the zebras through the chaos of the city and bystanders to the Frick Muller Big Brother Abattoir, where we were able to confine them,” she said.
She said the operation required careful coordination to ensure the safety of both the animals and members of the public.
With the animals secured, a darting team led by Mr Norman Monks was brought in to immobilise the zebras.
“With the help of our dart team, Mr Norman Monks, we darted, immobilised and translocated them to the Free to Be Wild sanctuary. They were treated for wounds sustained during the ordeal,” Ms Pigors said.
She confirmed that the zebras are stable and adapting to their new environment.
“They are okay and safe, and are moving with our other zebra on the property. They have been through a lot of stress, so we need to closely monitor them,” she said.
More to follow…
