Desert Elephant Killed in Namibia

Conservation groups have criticised the government of Namibia after the killing of a 50-year old elephant bull was authorised on the basis that it was causing problems.

A government-appointed hunter paid $8,500 killed the elephant, known as “Voortrekker”. 

Ministry of Environment and Tourism spokesman Romeo Muyunda is quoted as telling Reuters, “It’s unfortunate that the elephant was put down but we were left with no other alternative after this specific animal continued to cause damages to property in the area.”

Muyunda further stated that government was concerned that left at large the elephant would be killed by local farmers and could result in the community killing more than one animal. However, the Ugab Concerned Conservancies told Reuters, “These elephants are our resources, and we object to them being hunted for problems caused by different populations of elephants.”