ZimParks reacts to allegations of wildlife cruelty after concerns of ‘malnourished’ lions at Chinhoyi Caves enclosure

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has denied allegations of cruelty towards two lions housed at Chinhoyi Caves in Mashonaland West province.

Visitors to the Ramsar world heritage site at Chinhoyi Caves have raised concern online over the unfavorable conditions the two lions— one named Dingani, a 13-year-old male, and Laila, a 6-year-old female— are being kept. They say the enclosure is too tiny while at times the stressed animals go without food and water.

In response to the growing online concerns of poor animal welfare, ZimParks said plans are afoot to engage relevant teams and partners to address the issues raised.

ZimParks acting spokesperson Tamiriraishe Mudzingwa said the two lions are receiving sufficient care and treatment despite being kept in separate enclosures.

“ZimParks remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, safety, and conservation,” the authority said.

“At present, there are two lions at Chinhoyi Caves: Dingani, a 13-year-old male, and Laila, a 6-year-old female.

“The two lions are currently housed separately, a decision made purely for their safety and wellbeing. This arrangement follows the male’s aggressive behaviour toward the female, and our teams are managing a gradual and carefully supervised reintroduction process,” said Mudzingwa.

The statement follows a plethora of social media posts alleging that two lions housed at Chinhoyi Caves are malnourished, poorly fed, and sometimes go without water. Critics also claimed the enclosures were too small, with some commentators describing the conditions particularly for the female lion as animal cruelty.

ZimParks assured the public that its teams are monitoring the animals closely and that ongoing improvements are being made to address public concerns. – _*NewZimbabwe*_