Officials in Kazakhstan's western region of Manghystau said on January 18 that the number of swans that died en mass near Lake Qarakol has reached 1,018. According to the officials, the swans' sudden deaths might have been caused by bird flu. Earlier investigations revealed that waste from the Rixos Aktau hotel located on the lake's shore had nothing to do with the situation. However, environmental activists are insisting on further investigations of the hotel's waste, which directly enters the lake near the Qaraqiya-Qarakol state nature sanctuary -- home to more than 200 endangered bird species. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
Number Of Swans Dying In Kazakhstan's Western Region Of Manghystau Surpasses 1,000
Environmental activists are insisting on further investigations of a hotel's waste entering Lake Qarakol following the death of more than 1,000 swans in the vicinity. (file photo)