Zimbabwe will cull 200 elephants as it battles a severe drought and a rising elephant population, the country’s wildlife authority announced on Friday. Environment Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu confirmed that Zimbabwe has more elephants than its ecosystems can support, leading to human-animal conflicts, particularly in Hwange National Park.
With an elephant population of around 100,000, Zimbabwe has the second-largest population globally, after Botswana. Hwange alone houses 65,000 elephants, far exceeding its capacity. The country last conducted an elephant cull in 1988.
The decision has drawn criticism, particularly from conservationists like Farai Maguwu, who urged the government to explore eco-friendly methods that wouldn’t harm tourism. This comes as southern African nations, including Zimbabwe and Namibia, grapple with drought and food shortages, leaving millions in need of assistance.
