Zimbabwe elephant meat plan will begin by culling elephants and distributing their meat to local communities in response to an overpopulation crisis, according to the country’s wildlife authority. The decision has sparked backlash as conservationists and tourism advocates voice concerns over the impact on the country’s iconic wildlife.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) announced Tuesday that the initial phase will involve killing 50 elephants at Save Valley Conservancy, a private reserve in the southeastern region of the country. The reserve currently holds 2,550 elephants—more than triple its estimated carrying capacity of 800. Over the past five years, only 200 elephants have been relocated to other parks.
ZimParks confirmed that meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities. Ivory from the animals will remain government property and held in safekeeping, although it cannot be sold due to a global ban on the ivory trade.
The culling follows a similar move in 2024 when the country culled 200 elephants amid a severe drought and food shortage. That marked the first large-scale culling since 1988.
Zimbabwe, home to the world’s second-largest elephant population after Botswana, continues to struggle with balancing conservation and community needs. Officials argue the elephant numbers have become unsustainable and pose a threat to both the environment and nearby human settlements.
The announcement coincided with news that four individuals in Harare were arrested for attempting to sell over 500 pounds of ivory, highlighting the ongoing challenge of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Critics argue that the elephant cull threatens Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on its big game attractions. Conservation groups have warned that the move may damage the country’s international reputation and deter eco-tourism.
ZimParks has not specified how many elephants will ultimately be culled or over what timeline the program will continue.
