Six lions have been found dead and mutilated in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, a conservation official said Saturday. They think wildlife traffickers poisoned the big cats.
The lion carcasses were found with most of their body parts missing and surrounded by dead vultures, suggesting poison was at play.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said it was “saddened” by the death of these particular lions, who were known for their unusual ability to climb trees.
An investigation has been launched, UWA said. “Given that some of the body parts of the lions are missing, we cannot rule out illegal wildlife trafficking,” UWA’s communications manager Bashir Hangi said in a statement.
Lions have been killed by poisoning before in the park. In April 2018, eleven lions, including eight cubs, were found dead of suspected poisoning. In May 2010, five lions were killed in a similar incident.
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