ZimParks confirms malnutrition as cause of Hippo deaths in Zambezi River

John Cassim

The Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has confirmed that malnutrition was the cause of death for 19 hippos found dead along the Zambezi River. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo announced in a statement released on Thursday.

“Following investigations into the deaths of 19 hippos in the Mid Zambezi Region, preliminary findings indicate no gross abnormalities or evidence of Anthrax in any of the tested samples.

Significantly, approximately 50% of the hippo population exhibited signs of severe malnutrition, with prominent pelvic bones and spines, indicating a lack of adequate food,” Farawo stated.

He further explained that most mortalities observed thus far are directly linked to severe nutritional deficiencies rather than infectious diseases.

“Our investigations have revealed that hippos were traveling up to 10 kilometers from their usual habitat in search of food,” Farawo elaborated.

Earlier this week, ZimParks issued a statement reporting the deaths of 19 hippos in the Zambezi River over the past three months. Eighteen were found dead in the Sapi Safari Area, and one in the Chirundu area.

These findings follow reports of multiple hippo carcasses observed along the Zambezi River between Chirundu Bridge and Nyakasanga Camp in recent days.

Some sources suggested that the actual number of deceased hippos may exceed 20, as carcasses were being swept downstream.

Surprisingly, crocodiles were not observed feeding on the dead hippos.

On Monday, six hippos and a buffalo were discovered dead in the same region, according to reports.

This incident follows a series of recent animal deaths in Zimbabwe. Four white rhinos, three zebras, four wildebeests, four fish eagles, several goats, cattle, and thousands of fish in Lake Chivero in Harare died after consuming water contaminated with Cyanobacteria.

An algae bloom, attributed to raw sewage discharge into the lake by the City of Harare, is believed to be the cause.

Last year, an anthrax outbreak in Gonarezhou resulted in the deaths of several wildlife species. ZimParks promptly implemented measures to prevent the spread of anthrax to nearby livestock.

Malnutrition in this case could be attributed to the El Nino drought, the worst in over 40 years in the region.

The drought was also accompanied by severe heat, hence scientists declared 2024 as the hottest year on record.

These herbivores graze on vegetation surrounding wetlands, helping to prevent overgrowth, which can clog water sources, disrupt the natural flow of water, and threaten the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

Hippos face numerous threats to their survival as a species. During periods of food scarcity, hungry hippos can survive for up to three weeks without eating, but any longer, and they are doomed.

An adult hippo requires up to 50 kg of food daily. – ConserveZim.