Severe drought in Zimbabwe has led to the deaths of at least 19 hippos, likely due to food shortages. Investigations revealed the animals had moved 10 kilometers in search of food, with no signs of disease. Many hippos in the mid-Zambezi region are reported to be in poor condition, showing signs of malnutrition.

Nineteen hippos in Zimbabwe have died over the past three months, likely due to a severe drought that has caused a lack of adequate food, according to the country's wildlife authority. Samples taken from the deceased animals showed no signs of abnormalities or anthrax poisoning, as reported by ZimParks in a statement.

Investigations revealed that the hippos had traveled 10 kilometers (about six miles) away from their natural habitat in search of food. The findings suggest that the majority of the deaths were directly related to severe nutritional deficits, rather than any infectious diseases.

Zimbabwe, along with several other Southern African countries, has been severely affected by drought in recent months. Rainfall only began in recent days, according to ZimParks. Approximately half of the hippo population in the mid-Zambezi region was found to be in poor condition, with pelvic bones and spines visible, a clear indication of malnutrition or insufficient food.