Zimbabwe to Cull Elephants Amid Overpopulation, Drought Pressures

Zimbabwe has announced plans to cull dozens of elephants and distribute their meat for human consumption, citing urgent concerns over overpopulation and worsening environmental conditions.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) confirmed in a statement that the initial phase of the operation will involve the culling of 50 elephants in a large private reserve located in the southeastern region of the country. The move is part of a broader effort to control the country’s fast-growing elephant population and ease ecological pressure on its national parks.

Zimbabwe is home to the world’s second-largest elephant population after Botswana. A recent aerial survey revealed that one southeastern conservation area—known as the Savé Valley Conservancy—now hosts 2,550 elephants, far exceeding its carrying capacity of just 800. ZimParks stated that the overpopulation has strained natural resources, especially in light of recurring droughts, and has increased human-wildlife conflict.

Authorities did not specify how many elephants would ultimately be culled or over what period the operation would occur. However, at least 200 elephants have already been relocated to other parks over the past five years in an attempt to alleviate the pressure.

The decision to distribute elephant meat to local communities has sparked debate among conservationists. While some argue it is a practical response to urgent environmental and food security issues, others are concerned about the precedent it sets and the implications for wildlife ethics.