HARARE, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has reopened its prime tourist destination, the Victoria Falls Rainforest, following a temporary closure on Tuesday caused by two elephants roaming in the area, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
In an update issued late Tuesday after an earlier statement, ZimParks said teams were repairing areas damaged during the elephants' presence to ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of visitors.
"The closure lasted about two and a half hours, during which ZimParks teams closely monitored the animals' movements and guided them out of the UNESCO World Heritage Site," ZimParks said.
"During the operation, it was established that two elephants were in the area, contrary to the initial report of one. Both animals have since been moved away from the rainforest, and the area has been assessed and declared safe for public access," ZimParks said.
"Normal operations have resumed, allowing visitors to once again enjoy one of Zimbabwe's premier natural attractions and one of the world's great natural wonders," it added.
Home to the iconic Victoria Falls, the rainforest attracts tens of thousands of international and domestic tourists annually. ■
