Elephant overpopulation prompts culling plan in Zimbabwe

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Overpopulation threatens the ecosystem at one of Zimbabwe’s largest private game reserves, prompting Zimbabwean wildlife authorities to announce plans to cull up to 50 elephants.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) confirmed the plan this week, saying it is a response to unsustainable elephant numbers at Save Valley Conservancy.

Zimbabwe to Cull Dozens of Elephants

ZimParks said it had granted permits for what it described as an “elephant management exercise.” According to the agency, Save Valley currently hosts around 2 550 elephants, more than three times its ecological carrying capacity of 800.

“The management quota is meant to address the growing elephant population in the region and will initially target 50 elephants,” ZimParks said.

Over the past years, the conservancy has relocated about 200 elephants to other parts of the country in an attempt to ease pressure on local habitats. However, with the numbers continuing to rise, authorities believe the decision will protect the broader ecosystem.

How will the communities benefit?

As part of the controversial exercise, authorities will distribute the meat from the culled elephants to nearby communities.

The government will keep the ivory from the carcasses, and ZimParks will store it.

Zimbabwe is currently barred from selling its ivory due to a global ban on the trade of elephant tusks.

Mixed reactions to the decision

The move may be welcomed by some residents who will benefit from the meat. However, it is likely to attract criticism from conservation groups and animal rights advocates.

Some have taken to social media to express their views about the development.

Here is how they have reacted:

@CWitvrouwen: “Justice for Elephants, Justice for People: Rethinking Conservation in Zimbabwe…This isn’t just flawed policy—it’s a symptom of a broken, unjust system.”

@Mike4liberty: “I suppose if people care enough, they could donate money to fund the relocation of some of them.”

@sluggish477951: “What solution would you give when you have too many elephants that you can’t keep and feed ? Culling is a solution, something people with too many animals would do.”