Botswana authorizes slaughter of 23 elephants for 60th independence anniversary
Botswana has authorized the killing of 23 elephants to provide meat for nationwide celebrations marking its 60th anniversary of independence from Britain. The decision, approved by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, has drawn sharp criticism from conservation groups and local residents who fear it normalizes poaching and undermines wildlife protection. While the government frames regulated hunting as a tool for managing population growth and funding community development, critics argue that distributing elephant meat during national festivities sends a dangerous signal about the value of these animals. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between conservation goals and the economic and social pressures faced by communities living alongside the world's largest elephant population.
