ZimParks Confirms That Several Hippos Have Died In...

ZimParks Confirms That Several Hippos Have Died In The Zambezi River.

By John Cassim

The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has confirmed the deaths of 19 hippos in the Zambezi River over the past three months. Eighteen were found dead in the Sapi Safari Area, and one in the Chirundu area. The cause of death remains undetermined.

These deaths follow reports of multiple hippo carcasses observed along the Zambezi River between Chirundu Bridge and Nyakasanga Camp in recent days. Some sources suggest the total number of deceased hippos may exceed 20, with carcasses being swept downstream.

"ZimParks is saddened to report the deaths of 18 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and 1 in Chirundu over the last three months," said Tinashe Farawo, the ZimParks Spokesperson, in a statement. "The Authority is conducting investigations with various partners to determine the cause of death. Samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing, and we are awaiting the results."

On Monday, six hippos and a buffalo were discovered dead in the same area, sources reported.

Another source in Chirundu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed surprise that the crocodiles were not feasting on the dead hippos.

"Under normal circumstances, crocodiles would be feeding on these carcasses," the witness observed. "We also believe the number of deceased hippos could exceed 20, as they are being swept downstream."

This incident follows a series of recent animal deaths in Zimbabwe. Four white rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, several goats, cattle, and thousands of fish at Lake Chivero in Harare died after consuming water contaminated with Cyanobacteria.

An algae bloom, attributed to raw sewage discharge into the lake by the City of Harare, is believed to be the cause.

To address this issue, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Sithembiso Nyoni announced the government's proposal to establish a Sewer Rehabilitation Fund to repair the damaged sewage system.

"Regarding the Emergency Sewerage Reticulation Rehabilitation Fund, proposals are currently underway to establish a dedicated fund for urgent upgrades of aging wastewater management systems," Minister Nyoni stated a week ago. "Efforts to ring-fence user fees for wastewater management have gained traction, enabling directed fund allocations for necessary infrastructure improvements."

Last year, an anthrax outbreak in Gonarezhou resulted in the deaths of several wildlife species. ZimParks promptly implemented measures to prevent the spread of anthrax to nearby livestock. IUCN CITES Tinashe Farawo

Source : conservezim