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Cyanide Poisoning Kills More Elephants in Zimbabwe


A herd of African elephants on Nov. 17, 2012, in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
A herd of African elephants on Nov. 17, 2012, in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe authorities say more than 80 elephants have been killed by poachers who poisoned the animals' drinking water.

On Tuesday, more dead elephants were discovered at Hwange National Park, one of Africa's largest wildlife sanctuaries, officials said.

Last month, investigators found dozens of dead elephants in the park. Their tusks had been removed. Investigators said the animals died after poachers laced their drinking water with cyanide.

Police have arrested nine suspected poachers.

The ivory trade was made illegal in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species. However, experts say the poaching of African elephants is at an all-time high.

Demand for ivory remain strong in some Asian countries, where it is used for traditional medicine and ornaments.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest game preserve.
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