Killing elephants: Botswana faces global outcry over sacrificing 23
Botswana is facing international backlash for authorizing the hunting of 23 elephants to provide meat for its 60th independence anniversary celebrations. Conservationists and former officials have criticized the move, while the government defends it as a wildlife management tool.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation efforts and the government's desire to support rural communities through regulated hunting.
0 Killing elephants for Botswana’s 60th independence celebrations has sparked outrage from conservationists and activists. Image for illustration purposes by Mariana Balt Home » Killing elephants: Botswana faces global outcry over sacrificing 23
Killing elephants for Botswana’s 60th independence celebrations has sparked outrage from conservationists and activists.
0 Killing elephants for Botswana’s 60th independence celebrations has sparked outrage from conservationists and activists. Image for illustration purposes by Mariana Balt Botswana’s plans for killing elephants during its 60th independence celebrations have sparked international concern.
The government authorised hunting licences for 23 elephants across eight districts.
Authorities said the meat would support rural communities during the celebrations. However, conservationists and former president Ian Khama strongly criticised the decision.
The controversy also highlights Botswana’s difficult struggle with human-elephant conflict.
Botswana celebrated 60 years of independence from Britain on 30 September.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in