THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has revealed that the 19 hippo deaths recorded in the Zambezi Valley over the last three months were caused by malnutrition.
Early this week ZimParks disclosed that it was investigating the mysterious rhino deaths that occurred in Chirundu and Sapi Safari Area.
“It is important to note that about 50% of the hippo population were in very poor body condition with pelvic bones and the spine showing prominently which is a sign of malnutrition or lack of adequate food,” ZimParks said in a statement released on Thursday.
ZimParks said hippos continue to die from malnutrition despite improvements in pastures as a result of the current wet spell.
“Our investigations have shown that the hippos were moving up to 10km from their habitat in search of food,”said ZimParks.