The bicycles, given to children living near Hwange National Park, are intended to make school commutes safer and quicker, while reducing the risks of wildlife encounters, especially with elephants.
Joyline Mangezi, one of the residents expressed support for the initiative, applauding Zimparks for the gesture.
"This is a good initiative. It will make the children safer and reduce the risks they face on their way to school. Children had to walk long distances through wildlife habitats, exposing them to potential dangers. The bicycles will help children travel to school faster, reducing the time they spend in wildlife-prone areas and the risk of encounters with dangerous animals such as elephants," she said.
The bicycles will not only improve safety but also enhance the overall quality of life for children in the area by reducing travel time to school.
"This donation offers our children a safer and quicker way of getting to school, ensuring that they can attend school with fewer risks. Last year alone, wild animals killed 50 people and injured 85, with elephants being responsible. Most of these tragic events occur during dawn and dusk, when wildlife is more active, and people, especially children, are more vulnerable as they travel to and from school," said Pricilla Moyo, another resident.
The donation of bicycles is part of a broader effort by Zimparks and IFAW to address human-wildlife conflict in the region. The organizations are working together on various conservation projects aimed at reducing the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats while also finding ways to keep local communities safe.
Through partnerships like the one between Zimparks and IFAW, innovative solutions such as this bicycle donation are helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict, ensuring safer communities and a more sustainable coexistence with wildlife.
