Hippopotamus carcasses discovered in Semuliki River, DRC

Several hippopotamus carcasses have been discovered in the Semuliki River, located within the riparian zone of Virunga National Park in North Kivu. The provincial directorate of the Institut Congolais pour la conservation de la nature (ICCN) has confirmed the deaths but stated that the cause remains unknown.

Laboratory analyses and sampling are currently underway to determine the origin of the mortality. While authorities have not established a link to a previous anthrax outbreak recorded in the Lake Edward area in April 2025, they have issued a warning to local populations. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the carcasses and are prohibited from touching, moving, butchering, or consuming meat from any animal found dead or ill.