Police in Mbala District have recovered three suspected vulture chicks that were allegedly being kept illegally at a residence in Chila View Compound in Senior Chief Tafuna’s area.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda, says the recovery was made on June 5, 2026 at around 17:00 hours following a tip-off from a reliable informant that an unknown man was unlawfully keeping wild birds at his home.

Mr Mulonda said acting on the information, Police Officers conducted a search at the identified residence, and that during the operation, officers discovered three suspected vulture chicks concealed inside an empty 50-kilogramme sack in a grass-thatched kitchen structure.

He said the suspected owner of the birds was not around when officers arrived.

Mr Mulonda said the recovered birds were secured and handed over to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife for further management and investigations.

And the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has since engaged the Veterinary Department, to assess and document the birds ahead of their transfer to Lusaka, where they will receive specialised care.

He said Police have since opened investigations aimed at identifying and arresting the suspect, as well as determining how the protected wildlife species came into his possession.

Mr Mulonda has since reminded members of the public that the illegal possession, trafficking or keeping of protected wildlife species is a criminal offence under the Zambian law.

He has urged citizens to report any suspected wildlife crimes to the Police or relevant wildlife authorities to help protect the country’s biodiversity.

Mr Mulonda said further updates are expected as investigations in the matter continue.