A controversial wild animal cull has begun in Namibia, initiated by the government in response to the country’s worst drought in decades and rising human-wildlife conflicts. The cull, which has already resulted in the death of more than 150 animals, is set to eliminate over 700 more, including elephants, zebras and hippos.
Announced last week by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, the cull aims to reduce grazing pressures, increase water availability, and provide game meat to locals as part of a broader drought-relief effort.
However, the plan has drawn strong opposition from animal rights groups, with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) labeling the cull as shortsighted, ineffective, and cruel. In an open letter to the prime minister, PETA’s senior vice president, Jason Baker, warned of the potential devastation the cull could cause to wildlife populations.
