In what is being described as one of the largest wildlife poisoning incidents ever recorded in Southern Africa, 84 vultures have been rescued following a mass poisoning in the Mahlangeni Section of Kruger National Park.

The rapid response operation, carried out by South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), saved dozens of critically endangered birds from near-certain death.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of 6 May 2025, when the EWT’s cutting-edge wildlife poisoning detection system flagged suspicious activity at 06:05 in a remote part of the park.

By 08:20, a joint SANParks-EWT response team was on the ground—and found the devastating aftermath of an elephant carcass laced with toxic agrochemicals, a deliberate act of poisoning linked to poaching.

A total of 123 vultures were killed in the incident, including 102 White-backed Vultures, 20 Cape Vultures, and a single Lappet-faced Vulture—all of which are listed as endangered or critically endangered species.

An Unprecedented Rescue Effort

The initial response team, made up of six SANParks rangers and two EWT officials, discovered two poisoned vultures still clinging to life. Emergency treatment was administered on-site using atropine, activated charcoal, and fluid therapy.

Soon after, reinforcements including veterinarians from Wildscapes and Briner Veterinary Services, the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and SANParks aerial support arrived. Helicopters were deployed for the first time in a vulture poisoning rescue operation of this magnitude.

In total, 84 vultures—comprising White-backed, Cape, and Hooded Vultures—were rescued alive:

• 45 vultures were transported via the EWT’s specially equipped “vulture ambulance.”
• 39 were airlifted to the SANParks K9 facility in Phalaborwa for urgent care.
• A final group was transported later that night to the Moholoholo centre for ongoing treatment.

Despite the scale and severity of the poisoning, only five of the rescued birds died—reflecting a remarkable 96% survival rate. As of 8 May, 83 vultures remain alive and under intensive veterinary care.

A Growing Conservation Crisis

The use of poison by poachers is a growing threat in the region. Poachers often target high-value animals like elephants and lions, leaving laced carcasses that also indiscriminately kill scavengers such as vultures. The illicit trade in wildlife parts—used in traditional medicine, or muthi—continues to drive such practices.

“This is a severe blow to the already fragile vulture populations in the Greater Kruger landscape,” said SANParks in a joint statement with the EWT.

“However, this operation shows what can be achieved when conservationists, vets, rangers, and aviation teams work together.”

A Triumph of Coordination

More than 20 individuals from various organisations contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts. Helicopters made multiple trips between the poisoning site and Phalaborwa throughout the day to transport injured birds.

The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the EWT’s early-warning system and the strength of inter-agency collaboration.

SANParks and the EWT commended the responders for their skill, speed, and dedication in the face of a national wildlife emergency.

“This could have been an extinction-level event,” the statement concluded, “but thanks to coordinated action and tireless commitment, it has become one of the most successful vulture rescues ever recorded.”