Zimbabwe Plans to Slaughter Elephants Amid Drought Crisis
Zimbabwe’s wildlife administration has stated that it will shoot approximately 200 elephants to feed hungry citizens following a severe drought that has caused food shortages.
The drought, caused by the El Niño phenomenon, has damaged crops across southern Africa. The World Food Programme predicts that 7.6 million Zimbabweans would be food insecure between January and April of next year.
Some conservationists have criticized the culling plans, arguing that there are more effective ways to feed people in need. Some have also criticized the idea, pointing out that elephants are a popular attraction for tourists.
Meanwhile, authorities say the culling would help to relieve congestion in the country’s parks.
A representative for Zimbabwe’s parks and wildlife authority stated that the country is home to about 84,000 elephants, which is thousands more than its potential.
Zimbabwe’s declaration comes after neighboring Namibia announced earlier this month that it had murdered dozens of animals, including 83 elephants, in the face of its worst drought in decades and planned to kill hundreds more.
