Joburg Zoo investigates the cause of Zoo Lake geese deaths

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is currently investigating the deaths of some of the geese at Zoo Lake, located across the street from the zoo.

The number of dead geese has not been disclosed; however, the zoo said on 2 November that seasonal avian botulism was among the suspected causes.

Warmer water and decomposing organic matter, especially during the warmer seasons, can create conditions favourable for the production of toxins that affect bird species that gravitate toward water. However, there has not been any official confirmation that botulism is in fact what caused the deaths.

In partnership with relevant City departments, JCPZ veterinarians are currently conducting post-mortem examinations on selected carcasses to determine what led to the deaths.

While there have been reports of sewage spills potentially contaminating the lake, veterinarians have not yet established a link between these reports and the deaths, and this too is still being investigated.

Teams from JCPZ Conservation and Operations, the city’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department and Johannesburg Water have visited Zoo Lake to collect water samples for testing.

JCPZ has urged Johannesburg residents not to take the appearance of clear water as an indication that the water is safe.

It has also recommended the following precautionary measures:

• Refrain from swimming in these water bodies or consuming fish caught in them.
• Keep children and pets away from dead or visibly distressed wildlife.
• Avoid handling dead birds or fish.
• Report dead birds, distressed waterbirds and fish kills to emi@jhbcityparks.com, providing the exact location and photographs where possible.

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