More than 350 elephants have mysteriously died in the last two months in the African country of Botswana. This case came into light from the region of Okavango Delta in the northern part of the country. Most elephants in Africa are found here. Recently many shocking satellite pictures of elephants are going viral. After more than 2 months the cause of death has not been known.
The first case of the mysterious death of elephants was revealed in May. This was followed by continuous deaths and by the end of June the figure crossed 350. Earlier in Zimbabwe, there was a case of cyanide being given to animals by poachers. In 2018, the bodies of 90 elephants were found in Botswana. Most of them were those who were murdered for their teeth.
According to Dr. Niall McCain, Conservation Director of Britain's National Park Rescue, elephants have died on a large scale. Such a case has not been seen before. Niall says his colleagues have identified more than 350 dead elephants in the Okavango Delta since the beginning of May. The government has conducted a test in the lab, but so far the results have not been revealed. Scientists have urged the government to investigate the case as soon as possible.
According to locals, elephants were also seen moving in a circle. It seemed, either due to bacteria-virus, their mental condition has deteriorated or the poison has reached the body. According to Dr. Niall McCain, looking at the dead bodies, it seems that some have died in one stroke, while some have died slowly while they were walking. What kind of poisoning it is, it is difficult to say.
Dr. Cyril Taolo, acting director of the Botswana Wildlife Department said, "We are aware of elephant deaths, 280 out of 350 animals have been confirmed." We are locating other animals. Elephants are being investigated at a slow pace due to COVID-19, as samples have been sent to other countries for analysis.
National Park Rescue's Conservation Director, Dr. Niall McCain, described the incident as a 'conservation tragedy', saying Botswana failed to save its country's most precious item.
