SUSPECTED POISONING IN KRUGER, HUNDREDS OF ANIMALS DEAD

More than 100 vultures and a hyena have been found dead in the Kruger National Park near Punda Maria.

It’s believed they have all eaten the carcass of a buffalo that has been poisoned.

In a statement, SANParks explained how the horrible discovery was made.

“Rangers on patrol discovered the carcass of a buffalo, which appeared to have been laced with poison. They also found over 100 dead vultures and a dead hyena likely to have fed off the carcass.”

At the scene, another 20 vultures were discovered. They were alive, but in bad shape. The vultures were rushed to Shingwedzi and Moholoholo rehabilitation centres with the help of the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

With the large number of birds poisoned during this incident and the number of vultures currently alive across the world, there is a concern that the species could become extinct.

The matter was referred to the police for investigation. The area has been cordoned off and the carcases have been burnt to ensure that no other animal can be poisoned as well.

Gareth Coleman, the managing executive of the Kruger National Park, told News24: “This reprehensible act once again highlights the ever-present danger of poisoning by unscrupulous people. We cannot afford to let our guards down and we call on law-enforcement agencies outside the park to move swiftly to arrest the perpetrators.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons