Hungry Zimbabweans target giraffe

A giraffe that strayed into a township close to Zimbabwe's capital has been rescued after residents tried to kill it for its meat.

The animal was put under police guard before wildlife officers removed it.

A dry spell has forced wild animals into urban areas in search of grazing, animal welfare experts say.



Zimbabwe is suffering chronic food shortages and the animal protection society is investigating claims that a number of pets have been slaughtered.

It is not known how the stray giraffe ended up in the southern Seke district, but police had to restrain those who wanted to kill the animal.

The tall creature drew huge crowds, including dozens of school children, many of whom had never seen a giraffe.