Zimbabwe, Sept 13 (Alliance News): Zimbabwe has approved the culling of 200 elephants to help combat food insecurity as the country faces its worst drought in decades.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority announced that the elephant meat will be distributed to feed citizens at risk of acute hunger. With nearly half of the population facing food shortages, the cull aims to provide protein to affected communities.
The cull decision comes after Namibia’s similar move, where hundreds of wild animals, including elephants, were slaughtered to address hunger exacerbated by a prolonged drought.
Zimbabwe is home to over 84,000 elephants, nearly double the capacity its forests can sustain, according to Environment Minister Sithembiso Nyoni.
Critics, including animal rights activists and conservationists, have condemned the culling, arguing that it endangers wildlife and creates unsustainable demand for bushmeat.
However, Zimbabwean officials defend the move as necessary to address human-wildlife conflict and provide food during the crisis.
The culling will begin after necessary paperwork is completed, targeting areas with the highest elephant populations.
