After 19 hippos died on Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River, poisoning was initially suspected. But now it is clear: the animals had to starve miserably.
The country in southern Africa has experienced the worst drought in the past forty years. Malnutrition was the reason for the animals’ deaths, the country’s wildlife authority said in an investigative report. Initial suspicion that poisoning was the cause of death was not confirmed, agency spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said.
Ribs and vertebrae clearly visible
“The research showed that the hippos moved up to ten kilometers from their actual habitat in search of food,” the spokesperson said. The condition of the normally round herbivores also indicated a lack of nutrition: ribs and dorsal vertebrae were clearly visible in about half of the animals.
The rainy season has now started in Zimbabwe. But in recent months, many of the country’s hippopotamus wetlands have dried up due to drought.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
