IFAW response to Zimbabwe planned elephant cull

In late September 2024, the government of Zimbabwe announced plans to cull 200 elephants to address drought-related food insecurity in the country.

Zimbabwe is a significant hub for species diversity in Southern Africa. IFAW is one of several organisations working closely with the wildlife sector authorities to address critical conservation issues, including the context of climate change.

Earlier this year, similarly to other Southern African countries, the country declared a state of disaster linked to El Niño induced drought. We understand the gravity of the situation and the threat posed to wildlife and people and acknowledge the right of sovereign states to exploit their natural resources freely. However, as a conservation organisation, IFAW recommends a more holistic approach to address food security needs. We continue to focus on this long-term resilience building by working together with the government of Zimbabwe. Protecting wildlife and ensuring healthy ecosystems is a vital part of climate mitigation – a theory backed by science. But even in times of crisis like this, we remain focused on the vision that protecting animals will protect people, too.

“It is fundamental that the stewardship of wildlife remains at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build long-term environmental health. The stresses posed by a rapidly changing climate compel us all to find comprehensive, sustainable solutions which equitably serve the needs of both people and wildlife. IFAW remains committed to solutions reinforcing wildlife's foundational role in ensuring human survival and that of the natural world,” says IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes.

IFAW will continue collaborating with the Zimbabwean government to enhance the sustainable management of wildlife, support alternative livelihoods for communities coexisting with wildlife, and foster resilient ecosystems. The prospects of a normal to above normal 2024/25 rainfall season for Southern Africa, as forecasted by the Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF), fill us with hope. This forecast gives us confidence that we can ensure a good harvest for people and sufficient water for wildlife.

ENDS

Press Contacts:

Luckmore Safuli
Communications Officer, Southern Africa
m: +263 77 252 7736 
e: lsafuli@ifaw.org

Christina Pretorius
Director, Communications Africa
m: +27 82 330 2558
e: cpretorius@ifaw.org