Story by Tichaona Kurewa
FARMERS at Woodlands Farm near Victoria Falls have lost approximately 50 cattle to lions this year alone.
The pride of lions is systematically decimating livestock at the farm leaving several farmers devastated.
“I lost 15 of my cattle to lions. These lions are pushing us backwards. Some farmers around have lost their entire herds,” a farmer said.
“Lions are terrorising our community. We have lost approximately 50 cattle to lion attacks this year alone and they are also targeting our goats and donkeys. We urgently need assistance,” Village Head, Mr Charles Mpofu said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and tourism operators around Woodlands Farm were unsuccessful.
Despite this localised crisis, the national livestock sub-sector has shown a positive trend, with a slight increase in the national beef cattle herd from just around 5.7 million in 2023 to 5.74 million in 2024.
