Dozens of elephants died from poisoning

Wildlife protection officials in Zimbabwe will send a team of experts to investigate whether 64 elephants died from poisoning in the country's largest park.

"Experts from 7 ministries will come to Hwange National Park tomorrow to learn about the 64 elephants who died of cyanide poisoning , " said Edson Chidziya, general manager of the park and an expert. about wild animals said.

After drinking poisonous water, the elephants died in turn."Everyone is afraid that the number of dead elephants will be even greater, but we need chemical experts to assess the level of danger here," AFP quoted Chidziya as saying.

An African elephant in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.(Photo: AFP)

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of poisoning water in the park to kill elephants and take ivory. These people will have to appear in court in the future.

Chidziya also denied reports of hunting involving a South African businessman."We have only heard of these reports, but on our side, we do not know this issue is related to dead elephants , " he said.

Two years ago, 9 elephants, 5 lions and 2 buffaloes also died of cyanide poisoning in Hwange National Park. The Environment Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, called for severe penalties for animal hunters.