The world is not a kind place for animals (unless you are an adorable purebred dog or cat) and how. This was quite apparent after the mass whale killing in the Faroe Islands recently. But another mass murder of sorts might take place soon if we do not do something about it and fast. This time it’s the large population of elephants in both Botswana and Zimbabwe. Both countries are dealing with this in their own way and honestly, we don’t know what’s right anymore. Netizens are just as divided. Get the full story here.
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The “Problem”
For both countries, the bone of contention seems to be the growing numbers of the biggest mammals on land, Elephants. These gentle giants are as many as 1 lakh 35000 in Botswana alone. This has, in turn, created issues regarding the coexistence of man and animal leading to the harsh decision of Botswana lifting it’s hunting ban in a bid to restore so-called “balance” and “harmony”.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has decided to sell its elephants to combat their issues between rural settlements and the mammals. And this isn’t the first time around Zimbabwe has done this. The country previously made 2.7 billion by selling its elephants to other countries. They are now selling them to Angola and literally any other country in the world who would have them.
Causes
The reason behind Botswana’s harsh decision has been explained by their ministry of Environment itself in a recent Facebook post.
MEDIA INVITATION- PRESS CONFERENCE- LIFTING OF THE HUNTING SUSPENSION IN BOTSWANAThe Ministry of Environment, Natural…
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism ಅವರಿಂದ ಈ ದಿನದಂದು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಬುಧವಾರ, ಮೇ 22, 2019
In short, the reasons as listed by the authorities are:
“1) The number and high levels of human-elephant conflict and the consequent impact on livelihoods was increasing.
2) Predators appear to have increased and were causing a lot of damage as they kill livestock in large numbers.
3) There is a negative impact of the hunting suspension on livelihoods, particularly for community-based organisations that were previously benefiting from consumptive utilisation.
4) The lack of capacity within the Department of Wildlife and National Parks leads to long response time to problem animal control reports.
5) The general consensus from those consulted was that the hunting ban should be lifted.”
Even the shoot-to-kill policy has been uplifted.
The Division
Peoples stances are much divided in this controversial issue with some supporting the authorities while many others urging the government to change their minds and find a solution that is not so cruel. Even Ellen Degeneres, the famous talk show host and comedian, had a say in the matter through a tweet.
President Masisi, for every person who wants to kill elephants, there are millions who want them protected. We’re watching. #BeKindToElephants @OfficialMasisi https://t.co/iTSAYXvrfM
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 22, 2019
Our Take
It is not up to us, the humans, to decide which species gets to lead a longer life. Rather, nature needs to take its own course. Be it Botswana or Zimbabwe, the elephants do not deserve to be killed or moved from their natural habitat. And we need to view us all as equal inhabitants of the earth, nobody superior to any other species. What say?
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