AT least 19 hippos have reportedly died under unclear circumstances in the Sapi Safari area and Chirundu over the past three months.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, 18 hippos died in the Sapi Safari area, while one was discovered in Chirundu.
“Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is saddened to report the death of 18 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and 1 in Chirundu over the last three months,” Farawo said.
Farawo said samples had been collected from the dead hippos and sent for laboratory testing, with results pending.
“The authority is conducting investigations with various partners to ascertain the cause of death. Samples have been taken and sent for lab testing and we are waiting for the results.
“The health and safety of wildlife in Zimbabwe remain our top priority and we are committed to providing thorough updates as new information becomes available,” Farawo said.
ZimParks recently announced the death of four rhinos after drinking polluted water at Lake Chivero Recreational Park in Harare.
According to Farawo, the park also lost zebras, wildebeest and birds.
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