Bulawayo,  (New Ziana) – Two Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) rangers were seriously injured by elephants on Tuesday in Sengwa, Gokwe North, while on an anti-poaching mission, a top wildlife official has said.

Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident, saying one suffered a broken arm while fleeing, whilst the other one sustained abdominal wounds and fractures on his arm and leg.

The incident occurred during an anti-poaching mission where the rangers were investigating reports of a snared buffalo threatening nearby communities. “The incident occurred after the duo was deployed to investigate a reported case of a snared buffalo that was perceived to be a potential danger to the community.

“On the way, they encountered a herd of elephants with calves which charged at them, forcing them to flee in different directions,” said Farawo. He added that the two were airlifted by a helicopter to Harare for urgent medical attention. The Sengwa region is part of Zimbabwe’s critical wildlife corridor, home to diverse species, including elephants.

New Ziana