Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Zimbabwe to Cull Elephants, Distribute Meat to Communities
Zimbabwe is going to reduce the number of elephants in a wildlife area called Save Valley Conservancy because there are too many.
The government says there are way more elephants than the land can support, which is hurting the environment.
They will kill some elephants to help.
The meat from the elephants will be given to people in nearby communities.
The ivory tusks will be kept by the government.
This is because trading in ivory is not allowed.
Some people don't like the idea because elephants are popular with tourists.
Zimbabwe plans to cull dozens of elephants in Save Valley Conservancy to manage the elephant population.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has authorized the program.
Meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities.
Ivory will be retained by ZimParks due to international trade bans.
The agency states that the aim is to protect the ecosystem from overpopulation.
- Who
- Zimbabwe's wildlife agency (ZimParks) and Save Valley Conservancy are involved.
- What
- The culling of dozens of elephants for population control, with meat distribution to local communities.
- When
- Announced Tuesday, with no specific timeframe given for the culling process.
- Where
- Save Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe.
- Why
- To manage elephant population and protect the ecosystem in Save Valley Conservancy.
Critics of the Culling
Zimbabwe Wildlife Authority
Animal Welfare
Critics of the Culling
Culling is ethically wrong, and elephants should be preserved.
Zimbabwe Wildlife Authority
Culling is necessary to maintain ecosystem health.
Tourism Impact
Critics of the Culling
Culling could negatively impact tourism.
Zimbabwe Wildlife Authority
Culling is a necessary population management practice.
- Location
- Save Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe
- Elephant Population (Save Valley)
- 2,550 (as per 2024 aerial survey)
- Planned Culling
- Dozens of elephants; starting with 50
- Meat Distribution
- Local communities
- Ivory Handling
- ZimParks (due to international ban)