Botswana Condemned for Killing 23 Elephants for Independence Celebrations
The government says regulated hunting will help manage a population of more than 130,000 elephants and support community income, critics said.
- On Wednesday, Botswana marked its 60th Independence Day as the Ministry of Environment and Tourism issued a licence authorizing the hunting of 23 elephants for 'complimentary purposes' during traditional feasting celebrations.
- Botswana banned trophy hunting in 2014 under President Ian Khama but lifted restrictions five years later under his successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi; hunting continues under President Duma Boko.
- In Chobe, MP Simasiku Mapulanga raised concerns after residents collected meat directly from a carcass at a school, suggesting the meat be processed into 5kg or 10kg packages to improve hygiene and fairness.
- The Botswana-based Elephant Protection Society warned the decision could encourage poaching, with Chairman Oaitse Nawa stating, "Elephants have lost their social structures because they are always being pushed from one place to another by gunshots."
- Botswana is home to more than 130,000 elephants; Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi reported last year that special elephant quotas raised $1.1m in 2025 for community projects in wildlife areas.
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31 Articles
Botswana has just celebrated the 60th anniversary of its independence; but the news is not that, but the way in which it was celebrated: with the massacre of
The government of Botswana authorized the slaughter of 23 elephants this week as part of the celebrations of the 60 years of independence of the country, causing criticism from animal protection organizations, conservationists and a former president, according to the newspaper The Independent and the news agency AP. The authorities claim that animal meat will be destined for rural communities and defend the measure as part of the strategy of man…
23 elephants to be killed in Africa in celebration – The Horn News
Botswana’s government authorized the killing of 23 elephants for its independence day celebrations this week, drawing criticism from conservationists and one of its former presidents. The licenses to hunt the elephants were issued in districts across the country, with each receiving a portion of the overall quota. The elephants would... Read More The post 23 elephants to be killed in Africa in celebration appeared first on The Horn News - Proud…
Associated Press News
Botswana has so many elephants it approved the killing of 23 this week for independence celebrations
Botswana’s government has authorized the killing of 23 elephants for its independence day celebrations this week.
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