Global Outrage As Namibia Plans To Cull 723 Wild Animals; Urgent Action Needed!

As Namibia grapples with a severe drought, conservationists are outraged by the government’s plan to cull 723 wild animals, which includes several endangered species.

Shortly after the announcement, a coalition of conservationists responded with deep concerns, questioning the motives behind the cull. Their report suggests that the timing and reasoning might be politically driven, aiming to influence the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) insists the cull is necessary to support wildlife and ecosystems during the ongoing drought.

The coalition, made up of 14 conservationists, researchers, and scientists, are challenging the decision. Many critics prefer to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation. They argue that the cull lacks proper environmental and food security assessments, and with elections on the horizon, the plan appears more politically motivated than environmentally sound. The targeted areas—rural Kavango and Caprivi—are regions where the ruling party seeks to strengthen its electoral base.

The government’s plan involves culling 83 elephants, 300 zebras, 30 hippos, 60 buffaloes, 50 impalas, 100 eland, and 100 wildebeest, primarily within national parks. The report warns that this action could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging other African governments to conduct similar culls under the pretext of humanitarian relief. The authors also highlight the sharp decline in African elephant populations—from over 5 million in 1900 to just 400,000 today—as a sobering reminder of the fragility of wildlife across the continent.

Namibia’s N$14.2 billion tourism industry, which employs 58,000 people, is heavily reliant on wildlife. The cull threatens to provoke severe economic consequences, including mass layoffs, and could lead to international tourism boycotts if distressing images or videos of the culling process surface. Elephants, in particular, are critical for generating tourism revenue that supports local communities and the broader economy.

The impact of this cull goes beyond ecological concerns—it threatens local livelihoods and Namibia’s global image. Instead of resorting to drastic measures that could irreparably harm both wildlife and the tourism industry, there is a need to explore sustainable solutions that honor Namibia’s commitment to conservation. By protecting wildlife, Namibia can preserve its natural heritage and uphold its values, ensuring a thriving future for ecosystems and communities alike.

“Namibia has over 2,400 U.S. millionaires in a country of just 3,041,000 people. It is also rated the second most unequal country in the world. In my opinion, this is not about culling hundreds of threatened wild animals to paper over the cracks, but about asking those in Namibian society with the broadest shoulders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow citizens, and not killing wild animals in a misguided attempt to redress inequality.” Will Travers, OBE, Co-Founder of Born Free Foundation, told WAN.

“We have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard our natural world and to allow nature to take its course. It is not our place to intervene and destroy wildlife that is invaluable to Namibia’s future. The senseless culling of animals must be halted immediately. Instead, we must seek alternative, sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of both the people and the precious wildlife that constitute Namibia’s rich heritage,” said Katie Cleary, president and founder of Peace 4 Animals and WAN.

“Our natural ecosystems are intricate and delicately balanced. Every species plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. By indiscriminately culling wildlife, we risk causing irreparable damage to these systems, which could have far-reaching negative consequences for our environment and future generations,” continued Cleary. 

In response, the conservation community is exploring legal options to help stop the cull.

TAKE ACTION! Sign Peace 4 Animals’ and Born Free’s petition to stop the cull before it’s too late, HERE!