/ 15 February 2001

ELEPHANT WITH CANCER SHOT DEAD

A WILD elephant bull has been shot dead after Mpumalanga rangers discovered cancerous growths protruding from its mouth. Rangers at Mthethomusha Game Reserve east of Nelspruit noticed tongue-like growths hanging out the 15-year-old elephant’s mouth two weeks ago. The growths made it difficult for him to eat. A local hunter paid about R20 000 to shoot the animal and the money will go towards covering the vet’s bill. – African Eye News Service