'Bacteria killed' 30 Zimbabwe elephants

Wildlife officials in Zimbabwe suspect that a bacterial disease called haemorrhagic septicaemia is responsible for the deaths of more than 30 elephants since late August. 

Samples have been sent for further testing to make sure. 

The elephants were found lying on their stomachs, which experts say suggests they died suddenly. 

Parks officials do not believe they were killed by poachers, as the tusks had not been removed. 

It comes after hundreds of elephants were found dead in neighbouring Botswana this year from another type of bacterial poisoning.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP