Relief as lion threatening villagers’ lives caught

THE Grumeti Fund in collaboration with other conservation stakeholders has managed to catch a lion that had been causing havoc to residents and livestock at Bokore village.

Speaking here recently after the operation, the Grumeti Fund’s Legal and Relationship Officer, Hassan Mtunzi, said the cooperation between Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) and Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) led to catching of the lion.

“Grumeti is responsible to ensure that communities surrounding conservation are remaining safe,” said Mtunzi.

He said Grumeti cooperated with the communities to ensure that lions and other animals cannot harm humans in their residences.

“Our organisation is involved in preserving 350,000 acres of previously neglected Serengeti wildness, conservation management, and collaborate with local communities,” he said.

He said Grumeti Fund was always ready to work with the communities to ensure that any dangerous animals entering the village are controlled.

“Grumeti Fund conducts wildlife conservation and legal awareness sessions on communities bordering these forests with the main objective of strengthening peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife and also contributing to the long-term protection of this pristine ecosystem,” Mtunzi said.

On his part, the SENAPA Officer, Dr Idrissa Chuma, advised the residents in the communities to report to the village leaders once they see dangerous animals and should not disturb or approach them because they can harm them.

The Serengeti District Game Officer, John Londyane urged the communities living near the reserves to take personal precautions.