ZimParks to wind down the hunt for elusive lion

Zimbabwe Parks spokesperson Caroline Washaya-Moyo said a decision had been taken to wind down the hunt for the lion - despite the latest sighting.

She said: "The public and residents of Bulawayo are hereby informed that the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will be winding up the 24-hour search for the mysterious lion.

"Members of the public are informed that they should carry out their duties without fear."

She said the decision followed a "careful assessment and evaluation of our search effort."

An analysis of interviews with the public and the expected behaviour of the cat led them to "firmly believe that the animal is no longer in the vicinity of the suburbs and could have tracked back to its original home."

Lack of evidence of a recent kill was a key factor in the decision.

"A lion is expected to kill for food or perfect its art of killing. Livestock will be agitated if a lion is in the area. It's not normal for a lion to go for more than four weeks without roaring."

But she insisted that residents should report any sightings, adding: "We will continue to accept and react to any information provided to our office."