Mass Poisoning Incident in Kruger National Park
In what is being described as one of the most significant wildlife poisoning events in Southern Africa, a total of 84 vultures were successfully rescued following a mass poisoning incident in the Mahlangeni Section of Kruger National Park. The rapid response effort, coordinated by South African National Parks (SANParks) in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), managed to save numerous critically endangered birds from almost certain death.
Details of the Incident
The tragic events began in the early morning hours of May 6, 2025, when the EWT’s advanced wildlife poisoning detection system identified unusual activity at 06:05 in a secluded area of the park. By 08:20, a combined team from SANParks and EWT arrived on-site, where they discovered the grim scene of an elephant carcass deliberately poisoned with toxic agrochemicals, an act believed to be connected to poaching activities. In total, the poisoning incident resulted in the deaths of 123 vultures, including 102 White-backed Vultures, 20 Cape Vultures, and one Lappet-faced Vulture, all of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered.
Remarkable Rescue Operations
The initial response team, consisting of six SANParks rangers and two EWT officials, found two vultures that were still alive but in dire condition. They provided emergency treatment on-site, utilizing atropine, activated charcoal, and fluid therapy to stabilize the birds. Shortly thereafter, additional support arrived, including veterinarians from Wildscapes and Briner Veterinary Services, as well as the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and aerial support from SANParks. For the first time, helicopters were deployed in such a large-scale vulture poisoning rescue operation. Ultimately, 84 vultures, including White-backed, Cape, and Hooded Vultures, were saved: 45 were transported via a specially designed “vulture ambulance” by the EWT, while 39 were airlifted to the SANParks K9 facility in Phalaborwa for urgent medical attention. A final group was later moved to the Moholoholo centre for ongoing care. Despite the severity of the poisoning, only five of the rescued birds did not survive, resulting in an impressive 96% survival rate. As of May 8, 83 vultures remained alive and receiving intensive veterinary treatment.
The Escalating Conservation Challenge
The use of poison by poachers poses an increasing danger to wildlife in the area. Poachers frequently target high-value species such as elephants and lions, leaving behind poisoned carcasses that indiscriminately kill scavenging birds like vultures. The illegal trade in wildlife products, often used in traditional medicine practices, continues to fuel these harmful activities. “This incident represents a significant setback for the already vulnerable vulture populations in the Greater Kruger landscape,” stated SANParks in a collective announcement with the EWT. “Nevertheless, this operation highlights the potential for success when conservationists, veterinarians, rangers, and aviation specialists collaborate.”
A Successful Collaborative Effort
Over 20 individuals from various organizations played vital roles in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Helicopters repeatedly transported injured vultures from the poisoning site to Phalaborwa throughout the day. The operation underscored the efficiency of the EWT’s early-warning system and showcased the power of inter-agency cooperation. SANParks and the EWT praised the responders for their quick action, skill, and unwavering commitment during this national wildlife crisis. “This situation could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of wildlife,” the statement concluded, “but thanks to our coordinated efforts and relentless dedication, it has turned into one of the most successful vulture rescue missions ever recorded.”
