NEW: ZimParks blames death of 19 hippos in Mid-Zambezi on malnutrition

Online Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) says its investigations have revealed that malnutrition caused the recent deaths of 19 hippos in the Mid-Zambezi Region.

In a statement on Thursday, ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo dismissed speculation that the deaths were caused by anthrax.

“Following investigations to ascertain the cause of death of 19 hippos in the Mid-Zambezi Region, preliminary investigations have shown that there were no gross abnormalities and no trace of anthrax in any of the tested samples,” he said.

“It is important to note that about 50 percent 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.”