Botswana has faced criticism from animal rights activists after authorities authorised the killing of 23 elephants to provide meat for the country’s 60th independence celebrations. The southern African nation, which is home to the world’s largest elephant population, is marking 60 years of independence from Britain with celebrations across the country.
In the Chobe district, a local lawmaker raised concerns after residents reportedly collected meat from an elephant carcass at a school.
A licence issued by Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism allows 23 elephants and other wild animals to be hunted for what the authorities describe as “complimentary purposes”, according to the BBC . “Elephants have lost their social structures because they are always being pushed from one place to another by gunshots,” Nawa said. Tshenatshe Monwela, an elder from Maun, said his community should have been given buffalo instead. He argued that elephants have important cultural and environmental value and said Botswana’s record of protecting wildlife should have been considered when deciding which animals would be used for the celebrations.
He suggested that the meat should instead be processed into smaller packages to improve hygiene and make distribution more orderly. Debate Over Botswana’s Elephant Policy The government has defended regulated hunting as a way to manage the elephant population and reduce conflict between people and wildlife. Officials also say hunting generates money for conservation and development in local communities.
Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told parliament last year that special elephant hunting quotas generated 15.6 million pula, worth about $1.1 million, in 2025 for projects in areas where elephants are found.
MP Simasiku Mapulanga said the distribution could create problems for elderly people, pregnant women and people with disabilities. The government says revenue from hunting is used to support conservation and local development.
