At least 14 wild donkeys, including a pregnant female, were found shot dead in the Karpasia Peninsula, according to the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute.
Members of the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute discovered the animals during routine fieldwork, with initial findings suggesting they were shot at close range.
“The deaths include a pregnant female that was killed while in labour, making this discovery particularly distressing,” the Taşkent Doğa Parkı wrote on Facebook.
“Police” and veterinary officials are investigating the incident involving the donkeys, which are considered symbolic of Cyprus and are protected under local wildlife laws.
The Karpasia Peninsula, known for its population of wild donkeys, has been a protected habitat for the species, which has roamed freely in the area for generations.
