Panic Over Lion Sighting in Chinhoyi—Wildlife Officials Clear the Air

CHINHOYI – The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has dismissed reports of a stray lion in Chinhoyi, assuring residents that no evidence supports the claim and urging the public to remain calm.

Earlier today, an audio recording circulated, warning locals to keep their children indoors after an alleged lion was captured on CCTV.

The man in the recording claimed ZimParks officials were responding to the situation, stating, “It was not caught, stay in home.”

However, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo told ZimEye that their investigation revealed no presence of a lion in the area.

Farawo reassured residents that the only lions in Chinhoyi are kept in a secure enclosure and have not escaped.

“There’s no need to spread false reports and cause unnecessary panic,” he emphasized, adding that their reaction team conducted a thorough assessment and found nothing to support the claims.

This incident comes amid growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

In the first quarter of 2025, 18 people were killed in wildlife-related incidents, with lions, crocodiles and hyenas responsible for some of the attacks.

Authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution and verify information before spreading alarm, emphasizing the importance of factual reporting to prevent misinformation.