Corporation of Hamilton staff were shocked and saddened by the killing of a koi at the Queen Elizabeth Park.

The fish, the largest female in the park’s decorative pool, was discovered dead yesterday morning with staff believing the animal was killed by someone throwing rocks at it over the holiday weekend.

Parks Superintendent Steven DeSilva yesterday expressed his anger about the killing, which he described as “overt cruelty”.

“The koi pool was littered with innumerable stones and rocks of various sizes, indicating a prolonged and concerted attack,” he said.

“Happily, the rest of our City’s koi fish collection survived the malicious act, albeit they show obvious signs of trauma.

“It is quite simply unexplainable. What would drive an individual or individuals to stand over a shallow pool to attempt to stone the fish to death?

“What is more puzzling is that there is no readily available cache of stones or rocks close at hand in the park.”

He added that the fish was only half way through its life expectancy, noting that the species often live for more than 20 years.

“This is the first known act of cruelty we have recorded against the koi fish in Queen Elizabeth Park,” Mr DeSilva continued. “We hope it is the last.”

Mr DeSilva said that an incident report had been filed and the Bermuda Police Service had been informed.