19 hippos die in Zimbabwe over last 3 months

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL - At least 19 hippos died in Zimbabwe under mysterious circumstances over the past three months, an official said on Tuesday.

"Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is saddened to report the deaths of 18 hippos in the Sapi Safari Area and 1 in Chirundu over the last 3 months," the agency's spokesman, Tinashe Farawo, said in a statement.

He added that the authority is carrying out investigations with partners to determine the cause of the deaths.

"Samples have been taken and sent for lab testing and we are waiting for the results," the statement said, adding: "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."

The hippopotamus, also known as the “river horse,” lives along the rivers and lakes throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The animal is currently at risk from habitat loss, according to the World Wildlife Fund.