Dozens of hippos found dead at national park in Africa due to anthrax poisoning
Dozens of hippopotamuses died as a result of anthrax poisoning at the oldest national park in Africa.
A spokesperson confirmed with Paste BN that at least 40 to 50 hippos were found deceased at Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reuters first reported the news.
Their bodies were captured in the Ishasha River and its banks, Reuters reported. Director Emmanuel De Merode told the outlet on Tuesday that it's unclear what caused the mass poisoning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anthrax is a disease linked to bacteria, which could be found in soil and commonly impacts wildlife.
"Livestock and wild animals can become infected when they breathe in, eat, or drink spores in contaminated soil, plants, or water," the agency noted.
The spokesperson said that in addition to the hippos, other animals, like Buffalo, have also died in the biologically diverse park due to anthrax.
"Unfortunately, this has happened before, and it’s to do with when the rains come at this time of year," the statement said.
Photos shared by the park show the hippos lifeless in the water. Some readers may find the images below disturbing.
Significant decrease in the hippo population at the park
According to the national park's website, the hippos' population has been massively declining due to poaching and habitat destruction. In the 1970s, there were nearly 30,000 of the animals in the park, but there has been a 95% decrease since then. Reuters reported that there are an estimated 1,200 that remain.
De Merode said that crews are working to remove the animals from the water, but there has been some roadblocks. Per the park spokesperson, the number of deceased hippos and buffalo could increase in the coming days.
"Teams continue on site trying to recover the carcasses of the animals - everyone working on the site has PPE equipment and everything is being done in line with protocols," the statement continued. "That includes working with the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and Congolese health authorities, including warning local residents of the risk."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for Paste BN. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.