Botswana Criticised for Slaughtering 23 Elephants for Independence Celebrations

Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants and other wildlife for meat as part of celebrations marking the country’s 60th anniversary of independence, drawing criticism from animal rights and conservation groups.

The government had approved the culling of 23 elephants ahead of the celebrations, with the meat to be distributed across eight districts. The programme also included the hunting of other wildlife species such as kudu, impala and wildebeest.

The Elephant Protection Society warned…