Victoria Falls Residents, Zimparks Clash Over Roaming Buffaloes

 Residents of Victoria Falls are facing challenges coexisting with a large number of buffaloes that have been frequently seen in both high-density urban and low-residential areas.

According to VicFallsLive, the buffaloes have become a common sight, with videos from residents showing attempts to guide them away using sticks and rocks, though the buffaloes remain unbothered.

On Wednesday, November 20, three buffaloes blocked the road on Jakaranda Street while feeding on leaves and grass.

Despite concerns raised by residents, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) asserts that the buffaloes are within their natural habitat. Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson said:

I think we need to understand who is saying there has been a growing trend of buffalos in Victoria Falls for example. l think the numbers we have in Victoria Falls we don’t have much problems with them and this is what attracts tourists.

It’s a tourist town and one of the major draw-cuts for tourists is those buffalos. It is definitely their habitat that’s where they stay in the wild.

However, residents residents disagree. They say that the buffaloes are causing disruptions and may pose a danger to people. Said Khulani Ncube:

We are working hard to make a living, and now we have to deal with these wild animals in our streets.

In one incident, approximately 40 buffaloes blocked the road on Mkhosana Street near Kazungula Road while feeding on vegetables.

Witness Trymore Ndolo told VicFallsLive that the buffaloes could lead to an accident if no action is taken.

While Zimparks insists that the buffaloes are a tourist attraction, residents say their safety should come first.

Another resident acknowledged the importance of tourism but argued that people’s lives are equally, if not more, important than those of wild animals.

Source:  Victoria Falls Residents, Zimparks Clash Over Roaming Buffaloes (20/11/2024)