Namibia to cull elephants, zebras for their meat during major drought

Namibia plans to cull more than 700 wild animals, including dozens of elephants and hippos, and distribute the meat to help locals struggling under wh...

Namibia plans to cull more than 700 wild animals, including dozens of elephants and hippos, and distribute the meat to help locals struggling under what the United Nations has called the worst drought to affect the country in 100 years.

The government will kill 83 elephants, 30 hippos, 300 zebras, 60 buffaloes, 100 wildebeests and 50 impalas and 100 eland antelopes, the country’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said in a press release this week.

The animals are being "sourced from national parks and communal area with sustainable game numbers,” the ministry said. "We are happy that we can assist the country in this very difficult time and when its absolutely needed,” it added.

Professional hunters have already culled more than 150 animals, providing more than 56,000 kilograms (about 125,000 pounds) of meat, according to the statement.

The severe drought across southern Africa began in early 2024. Namibia declared a national disaster in May, following similar announcements in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.