Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
SIX elephants have been found dead in the Gwayi-Shangani area, near Hwange National Park.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) Spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident saying the elephants were found in an already decomposed state.
He added that veterinary doctors working with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have taken samples for testing to determine the cause of death.
“There is an unfortunate incident in the Gwayi-Shangani area, an area outside a protected area which is Hwange National Park where six elephants were found dead already in a decomposing state but the Environmental Management Agency and our vet doctors have taken samples for testing so that we can ascertain the cause of death, investigations are in progress,” said Mr Farawo.
The Gwayi-Shangani area falls outside the protected area of the nearby Hwange National Park.
Elephants usually die during the dry season, with some of the causes of death being dehydration poaching and cyanide and foliage poisoning.
Last year in November, Zimparks reported that more than 100 elephants died due to drought as water sources dried up.
