84 Vultures Rescued After Major Poisoning Incident

A rapid South African National Parks (SANParks) rescue operation in Kruger National Park has saved 84 vultures from a devastating poisoning incident, one of the largest of its kind in southern Africa.

Over 110 vultures were found dead around an elephant carcass that had been laced with agrochemicals pesticides. The highly toxic substance had also left many other birds in a critical state.

The alert was triggered on Tuesday, 6 May, by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) wildlife poisoning surveillance and detection system. Within hours, a joint team of SANParks rangers and EWT officials arrived at the scene.

Emergency treatment – including atropine, activated charcoal, and fluid therapy – was administered to the surviving vultures while rescue efforts were coordinated.

With the help of helicopters and a mobile vulture ambulance, the rescued birds were swiftly transported to rehabilitation centres. Despite the tragedy, 84 vultures were saved – including endangered species such as White-backed, Hooded and Cape vultures – with a resulting 96% survival rate.

This mass poisoning highlights the growing threat of poachers using toxins to target vultures for the illegal wildlife trade. Conservationists have called for stronger measures to protect these vital species, whose decline disrupts ecosystem health and increases disease risks.

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