Xmass Pass lion story a hoax: Zimparks

THE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe (Zimparks) has dismissed as false a story that spread widely on social media about a stray male lion roaming the Christmas Pass Mountains in Mutare.

As the fake news made rounds, multitudes of athletes who conduct daily jogging sessions up and down the steep curves were sent into panic mode, fearing for the deadly cat which was reportedly on the prowl.

Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo told the The Weekender that the story was a hoax.

He assured the public that no such lion was on prowl in the mountains.

“I wish to assure the public that there is no stray lion roaming Christmas Pass and Zimparks has not received any report of such a nature. The message being circulated on social media is just but a hoax causing unnecessary panic to the public,” he said.

He said it was impossible for a lion to have crossed over from Mozambique as stated in the social media message considering that male lions are lazy and do not walk long distances.

Mr Farawo advised the public to verify with Zimparks reports of stray wild animals before causing unnecessary panic on social media.

“I advise the public to verify any reports on stray dangerous wild animals with the ZimParks public relations department before conveying messages. This will cause unnecessary panic and disruption of day to day business,” he said.