Six lions found dead in one of Uganda’s most famous parks | NOW

Six dead lions have been found in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The animals’ heads and paws had been cut off, officials said. The animals are probably poisoned. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does not rule out illegal wildlife trade as a possible cause.

Environmentalists and local police team up to investigate the deaths of the animals. In a statement, UWA Director Bashir Hangi said he was very sad about the murdered animals.

According to Hangi, nature tourism is an important part of the Ugandan economy. It contributes around 10 percent of the GDP and plays a vital role in the conservation of animals.

“UWA strongly condemns the illegal killing of wildlife as it negatively affects not only our tourism as a country, but also the generation of income that supports conservation and community work in our protected areas.” Hangi said.

This is not the first incident in which lions may have been poisoned in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In April 2018, eleven lions, including eight small ones, were found dead after suspected poisoning. A similar incident resulted in the deaths of five lions in May 2010.