Elephant forces temporary closure of Victoria Falls Rainforest

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has temporarily closed the Victoria Falls Rainforest after an elephant was spotted inside the protected area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ZimParks said the closure was a precaution to protect visitors, staff and the animal while rangers monitored its movements.

“The restriction has been instituted as a precautionary measure to safeguard visitors, staff and wildlife, and to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict,” the authority said.

ZimParks said wildlife officers were closely tracking the elephant and that the rainforest would reopen once it was safe to do so.

“Members of the public are urged not to enter the restricted area, approach the elephant, or interfere with ongoing wildlife management efforts,” the statement added.

The authority also urged tour operators and tourists to follow instructions from ZimParks staff and other officials deployed in the area.

The Victoria Falls Rainforest is one of Zimbabwe’s leading tourist attractions, drawing thousands of local and international visitors each year. The forest is sustained by the spray from Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water, and is home to unique plant and animal species.

Wildlife sightings are common in and around Victoria Falls National Park, particularly during the dry season when elephants and other animals move in search of food and water. Although such encounters are part of the area’s appeal, authorities occasionally restrict access to parts of the park when animals pose a risk to public safety.

ZimParks said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates through its official communication channels. It said the temporary closure reflected its commitment to protecting both people and Zimbabwe’s wildlife.