Following Namibia, Zimbabwe to cull 200 elephants amidst severe food crisis

The country last conducted an elephant culling operation in 1988.

In response to an unprecedented drought and escalating food shortages, Zimbabwe has announced it will cull 200 elephants, a move that has sparked controversy and debate. The government has directed the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) to begin this process as part of efforts to manage an overpopulated elephant population.

The culling will target elephants in regions where they have come into conflict with local communities, including Hwange National Park, which is home to the largest concentration of elephants in Zimbabwe. The decision comes as the country grapples with severe drought conditions that have already claimed the lives of at least 160 elephants this year alone.

Zimbabwe’s Environment Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni, explained the decision to Voice of America, highlighting the necessity of balancing human-elephant conflicts and food security. “We are exploring ways to manage the situation similar to Namibia’s approach, including potentially drying and packaging the meat to support communities in need,” Nyoni said.

With an estimated 100,000 elephants—making it home to the second-largest elephant population in the world—Zimbabwe faces a significant challenge. Hwange alone is home to approximately 65,000 elephants, far exceeding its natural capacity. The country last conducted an elephant culling operation in 1988.

Neighboring Namibia has faced similar issues, recently culling 160 wildlife animals, including 83 elephants, in response to its own severe drought. Both Zimbabwe and Namibia have declared states of emergency due to the dire conditions impacting the region.

Also Read | Zahrah S Khan condemns Namibia's plan to cull hundreds of animals

Critics of the culling, including conservationists and animal rights advocates, argue that the decision could harm Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on the presence of these majestic animals. Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, voiced concerns about the ethical implications, stating, “Government must adopt more sustainable methods. Elephants are more valuable alive than dead, and this move risks damaging our tourism sector.”

As the debate continues, Zimbabwe faces the challenge of managing both its wildlife and human needs amid a climate crisis that is testing the limits of conservation and resource management.