Botswana's decision to authorise the killing of 23 elephants for its 60th independence celebrations has sparked criticism from animal rights activists. The southern African country, home to the world's largest elephant population, issued a licence for the hunting of 23 elephants and other wild animals for "complimentary purposes". This move has raised concerns about the impact on conservation efforts.
The Botswana-based Elephant Protection Society has warned that the decision could undermine conservation efforts, with chairman Oaitse Nawa expressing concerns that slaughtering elephants for celebratory feasting could encourage poaching. Nawa stated that elephants needed greater protection, citing the disruption of their social structures due to constant displacement caused by gunshots.
The government has organised a series of events to mark the country's diamond jubilee, including a carnival in the capital, Gaborone, as well as cultural performances, concerts, and sporting events. The game meat from the killed elephants is expected to be served as part of the traditional feasting associated with the Independence Day celebrations. The 23 elephants were allocated in eight districts across the country.
However, several social media users in the country have expressed concerns about eating the game meat amid an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which has prompted authorities to impose measures to contain its spread. Tshenatshe Monwela, an elder in Maun, a tourism town in north-western Botswana, suggested that his community should have received buffalo instead, citing the cultural and ecological significance of elephants.
Local media published images from different parts of Botswana showing residents gathering around elephant carcasses, some with knives in hand and sharing the meat. In Chobe, a wildlife-rich district in northern Botswana, a local MP raised concerns after residents reportedly collected portions directly from a carcass at a school. The MP suggested that the meat should instead be processed into 5kg or 10kg packages to improve hygiene and ensure fairer distribution.
The decision has reignited a long-running debate in Botswana over how the country manages its huge elephant population. Botswana has more than 130,000 elephants, and communities living alongside them have long complained about animals destroying crops, damaging property, and sometimes killing people. The government has defended regulated hunting as one way of managing the elephant population and human-wildlife conflict while generating income for communities.
The government says proceeds from hunting support conservation and local development. Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi told parliament last year that special elephant quotas raised 15.6m pula ($1.1m; £820,000) in 2025 for projects in areas where elephants are found. However, conservation organisations have questioned whether the level of hunting is sustainable.
Key points
- Botswana's decision to kill 23 elephants for its independence celebrations has sparked criticism from animal rights activists.
- The country's elephant population is estimated to be over 130,000.
- The government defends regulated hunting as a way to manage the elephant population and generate income for communities.
