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Conservationist slams government’s plan to cull elephants

Published

9 months ago

September 17, 2024

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwean government’s plan to cull elephants to feed starving communities has been met with fierce opposition from conservationists.

Farai Maguwu, director of the Centre for Natural Resources Governance, has spoken out against the move, calling it a “lame excuse” to justify the killing of elephants.

“This is not a solution to the drought problem,” Maguwu said. “There are many other avenues the government can explore to address food insecurity without resorting to killing elephants.”

Maguwu argued that the government’s reasoning – that Zimbabwe’s elephant population has exceeded the recommended eco-system balance – is a flawed argument. “This is not a new issue,” he said. “The government has always wanted to cull elephants since the 1990s, and now they are using the drought as an excuse.”

He also raised concerns about the international implications of such a move. “Elephants are protected by international conventions like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora),” he said. “You can’t just wake up and decide to slaughter them.”

Maguwu accused the government of prioritizing profits over conservation. “Once they start legitimizing the killing of animals, it will be a slippery slope,” he said. “Soon we won’t have any elephants left. And let’s not forget, minerals are being plundered in Zimbabwe, and once they start selling elephant ivory, it will be like blood diamonds all over again. The tourism industry will also suffer greatly.”

“The government is not thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions,” Maguwu said. “They are only thinking about short-term gains. Let the elephants live. They are more profitable to Zimbabwe alive than dead.”

The government’s plan has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a necessary measure to address food insecurity, while others, like Maguwu, see it as a threat to conservation efforts.

As the government moves forward with the culling process, many are watching with bated breath to see the impact it will have on Zimbabwe’s elephant population and the communities affected by the drought.

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

1 month ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.