Zimbabwe to cull elephants to address food shortages, manage wildlife population

Zimbabwe’s wildlife authority has announced plans to cull around 200 elephants as part of a broader strategy to address food shortages and alleviate the pressure on its parks. The initiative comes in response to a severe drought, driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which has devastated crops and left millions facing food insecurity. By using the culled elephants to feed hungry residents, authorities aim to provide much-needed relief for communities affected by the crisis.

The cull also serves a dual purpose by helping to manage Zimbabwe’s elephant population, which exceeds the country’s carrying capacity. Home to over 84,000 elephants, the nation’s parks are becoming increasingly congested, threatening the balance of its ecosystems.

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Despite concerns from some conservationists and tourism advocates, the culling effort is seen by Zimbabwean authorities as a necessary step to ensure both human and wildlife survival during these challenging times. Neighboring Namibia has taken similar steps, citing the need to protect both people and the environment amid ongoing drought conditions.