50 elephants to be killed and meat distributed to people
The cull at a vast private game reserve in the southeast would initially target 50 elephants.
Zimbabwe's wildlife authority has confirmed plans to cull 50 elephants from a private game reserve in the southeast of the country, with the meat set to be distributed to nearby communities.
The move, announced by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) on Tuesday, comes amid growing concern over the growing elephant population.
#Zimbabwe culling 50 #elephants in Save Valley C. They are scentient, reminiscent, social creatures that mourn their dead. When you kill an elephant, a matriarch, you break a family structure. You traumatise an entire generation. Arguing w "Carrying capacities" is wrong! pic.twitter.com/B4aQORX3Cd
— Future for Elephants (@ElephantsFuture) June 3, 2025
The Save Valley Conservancy, the reserve in question, is currently home to around 2,550 elephants - more than three times its carrying capacity of 800.
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ZimParks explained that the decision forms part of a "management exercise" aimed at balancing conservation needs with the welfare of surrounding communities and the ecosystem.
Over the past five years, at least 200 elephants have already been relocated from the reserve to other national parks.
"The elephant meat will be given to locals, while ivory recovered from the culled animals will remain state property and handed over to ZimParks," the authority said.
Zimbabwe holds the second-largest population of elephants in the world, after Botswana.
However, the country faces restrictions on selling ivory due to an international ban on the trade.
This latest announcement follows news that four individuals were arrested in Harare with over 230 kilograms of ivory, allegedly attempting to sell it illegally.
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Back in 2024, Zimbabwe carried out a cull of 200 elephants during a devastating drought — the first large-scale operation of its kind since 1988.
While the distribution of meat may bring some relief to struggling communities, the decision has sparked criticism from conservationists.
Elephants remain a major drawcard for tourism in the region, and some fear the move could have long-term effects on the country’s wildlife reputation.
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Image: Facebook/ Conny Kebbel