By Calvin Manika
Claim: A collared lioness strayed from the Hwange National Park and was spotted in the Ganda concession near Dopota and Lupote.
The Verdict: CORRECT
Source: Social Media
An alert was posted on social media platforms warning villagers in Dopota and Lupote near Ganda concession that a collared lioness was spotted in the area.
The message warned cattle herders to be on the lookout for the lioness in order to protect themselves and their livestock.
The message which originated from the Lupote ward Whatsapp group was forwarded many times to many Hwange WhatsApp groups.
This is a norm in Hwange whenever a stay wild animal is spotted.
Is there a report?
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo could not respond to questions sent to him. But, other Zimparks officials stationed at Hwange National Park confirmed that the lioness was spotted and has been restored in the wild.
Was there a stray lion in Ganda concession?
A quick follow-up with the Hwange National Park and Forestry Commission shows that the message was authentic and true. The person who created and sent the story confirmed that he had received a call from one of the rangers operating in the Ganda forest concession.
Conclusion
An incident which circulated on Hwange local Whatsapp groups warning of a stray lioness in Ganda concession near Dopota and Lupote areas was true and the lion was seen. Officials from the Hwange National Park and Forestry Commission confirmed the incident.
