Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported the deaths of 18 hippopotamuses in the Sapi Safari Area and one in Chirundu over the last three months.

The tragic news has prompted ZimParks to launch investigations into the matter in collaboration with various partners to determine the cause of the game fatalities.

In a statement yesterday, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasised that the health and safety of Zimbabwe’s wildlife remained a top priority, pledging to provide updates as new information emerges.
“The Authority is carrying out investigations with various partners to ascertain the cause of deaths. 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,” said Farawo.Farawo added that the organisation was working diligently to uncover the underlying issues and ensure the safety of Zimbabwe’s wildlife. Farawo stated that additional updates would be provided once laboratory results are finalised.

These hippo deaths come amid broader concerns about wildlife and environmental health in Zimbabwe.
Recently there was a massive fish die-off at Lake Chivero, raising alarm about water pollution and its impact on aquatic ecosystems.

While no definitive cause has been determined yet for the Chivero incident, environmental experts suspect chemical pollutants and poor water quality as major contributors.
The two incidents highlight the ongoing challenges posed by environmental degradation and possible disease outbreaks affecting wildlife.
Authorities are actively working with conservationists and environmental scientists to address these pressing issues and preserve the country’s biodiversity.