Botswana Condemned for Authorizing Elephant Slaughter During Independence Celebrations

Animal rights groups condemn Botswana’s decision to authorize the killing of 23 elephants for meat during the country’s 60th independence celebrations. Government says regulated hunting helps manage a population exceeding 130,000 elephants, supports rural communities, and reduces conflict with people and farms. Critics warn the slaughter could damage conservation efforts, encourage poaching, and undermine elephants’ social structures. The decision has also raised concerns about hygiene and foot-and-mouth disease as residents gather to collect and share the meat during celebrations widely.