Poachers kill at least 81 elephants by poisoning Zimbabwe water hole in Hwange National Park

Poachers kill at least 81 elephants by poisoning Zimbabwe water hole in Hwange National Park

Posted by Sylvester on Thursday, September 26, 2013 0

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The country's tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, said more elephant carcasses were discovered after cyanide was used to poison the park's remote water holes. Nine accused poachers were arrested after rangers tracked them to a cache of ivory hidden in the park.

Zimbabwean authorities said poachers have killed at least 81 elephants using cyanide poison in waterholes.

 HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwean authorities say at least 81 elephants have been killed for their ivory tusks by poachers using cyanide poison in water holes in a vast western national park.

Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi, in Harare Tuesday after touring Hwange National Park, said more elephant carcasses were discovered after a first count of more than 40 earlier in the month.

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Zimbabwe’s state media reported that the newly-appointed environment minister has vowed harsher penalties for poachers.

Wildlife department officials said industrial cyanide, used in gold mining, was put in the park's remote water holes, killing smaller animals drinking there and vultures and other predators feeding on the dead animals.

Nine alleged poachers were arrested after rangers tracked them to a cache of ivory hidden in the park.

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Zimbabwe's state media reported Tuesday that newly-appointed environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere has vowed harsher jail penalties for poachers.