Elephants die as poachers poison Zimbabwe waterholes (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Poachers in Zimbabwe have poisoned waterholes in five game reserves to kill animals, say wildlife officials.

Nine elephants were found dead with their tusks removed from the carcasses.

Five lions also died but officials said their skins were not taken, suggesting they were accidental victims of the poisoning.

The incidents are the first of their type on record and tests are being carried out to determine the nature of the chemicals used.

A spokeswoman for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Caroline Washaya Moyo, said two buffalo were also killed, as were vultures that had eaten the dead animals.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14992759




Very bad news. With lions being poisoned in Kenya by a cheap, over-the-counter insecticide, and now elephants, "big game" in Africa doesn't stand much of a chance.

[aquart]

1. Poisoning a waterhole is a hanging crime.

[hlthe2b]

2. As much as I oppose death penalty, frankly I tend to agree...

Future wars will surely be fought over water and even if one does not care about elephants and other impacted wildlife--as I intensely do, this will ultimately kill people as well.

There can be no limit to the contempt I have for those who do such horrific things. Since childhood, I have had a very deep fondness for elephants. After reading this NYTimes in-depth article on elephants and the impact of PTSD from the slaughter of their herd members I am just aghast at human cruelty towards them.

If those who really care about elephants or realize how little they truly know about them have not read this, please do:
An Elephant Crackup?
By CHARLES SIEBERT Published: October 8, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08elephant.html?pagewanted=all :cry:

[CountAllVotes]

3. hang 'em high

Sounds like a plan to me.

There won't be any wildlife left soon.

I am sad for the next generation that will only have photographs to view (perhaps) of these magnificent creatures. :( :( :( :cry:

:dem: :kick: & recommend.

[LiberalFighter]

4. Both the buyers and sellers should be hanged.

[Nihil]

5. ... or given the poisoned water so that they can share the suffering that they caused. (n/t)

:grr:

[Odin2005]

6. IMO it should be allowed to shoot poachers on sight.

[phantom power]

7. I'd like to start a rumor that the powdered eyeballs of poachers will enlarge your penis