123 Vultures Perish in South Africa’s Kruger National Park After Poachers Poison Elephant Carcass

SOUTH AFRICA – At least 123 vultures have perished in Kruger National Park, South Africa, after feeding on a poisoned elephant carcass—a tragedy experts describe as the largest recorded vulture poisoning event in southern Africa.

The poisoning, discovered on Thursday, was linked to poachers who deliberately laced the elephant remains with agricultural pesticides—an escalating tactic used to eliminate scavengers that could alert rangers to illegal hunting.

The mass poisoning was first detected in Kruger National Park’s Mahlangeni Section at 6:05 am by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) poisoning detection system.

By 8:20 am, a joint team of SANParks rangers and EWT officials arrived, uncovering an elephant carcass surrounded by dozens of dead vultures.

Rescue teams swiftly deployed helicopters and ambulances, managing to save 84 vultures.

However, despite intensive treatment, five succumbed, bringing the final death toll to 123.

A specialized response team mobilized a vulture ambulance to transport poisoned birds, marking one of the largest rescue operations for vultures in the region.

According to Africanewsonce, an environmental monitoring system detected suspicious activity in a remote section of the park, ultimately leading to the discovery of the poisoning.

Conservationists warn that such events pose a severe threat to Africa’s vulture populations, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems by preventing the spread of diseases.

Experts warn that poachers are increasingly using toxic-laced elephant carcasses to eliminate vultures, preventing them from circling overhead and revealing illegal activities.

Conservationists warn that this deadly tactic is also being used to target other species, including lions, for the illegal wildlife trade.

Wildlife organizations are urging immediate action to combat this growing crisis and protect Africa’s biodiversity.