Severe Drought in Zimbabwe Linked to Deaths of 19 Hippos

A new investigation reveals malnutrition caused by unprecedented drought as the primary reason for the deaths of hippos along the Zambezi River.

The deaths of 19 hippos in Zimbabwe have been attributed to severe malnutrition caused by the country's worst drought in 40 years.
Initial suspicions of poisoning were ruled out following a detailed investigation by the Zimbabwean conservation authority.
The drought led to the drying up of wetlands, forcing hippos to travel up to 10 kilometers from their habitats in search of food.
Examinations revealed visible signs of starvation, with many of the hippos showing prominent ribs and spinal bones.
While the rainy season has now begun, the prolonged drought has had lasting impacts on the region's ecosystems and wildlife.