Violation! Despite public outcry, Namibia is moving forward with its controversial plan to auction 170 wild elephants

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WAN was shocked this morning after reading official statement from Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia in response to their controversial auction of 170 wild elephants. we were shocked by attacks on environmentalists and the animal welfare society, who worked so hard to protect and save the elephant from the time of the auction of so-called “conservation” and financial gain.

Reportedly, although the details of the elephant auction have yet to be released, a spoof has occurred. January 29 despite 100,000 concerned petitioners who called on the government of Namibia and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to stop their plan.

Namibia’s elephant population is estimated to be only 24,000, but compared to neighboring countries such as Botswana with 130,000, Zimbabwe with 80,000, and Zambia with 50,000 elephants, Namibia’s elephant population is all is still very small, despite their claims that it has tripled since 1995.

Protectors of nature argue that the government’s figures are overstated and do not take into account the migration of elephants. They estimate that between 73% and 84% of the government’s reported elephant population are transboundary elephants moving between Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Botswana. They estimate that the permanent elephant population in Namibia is only 5,688. They are concerned that after the sale of 170 elephants at auction, Namibia will lose 3% of its elephant population.

The Government of Namibia stated in statement that the “capture” of 170 wild Namibian elephants is extremely “conservative” and below the sustainable “capture” level. The government does not define the term “sale” and does not specify what will happen to the elephants put up for auction. This leads us to believe that the elephants will be auctioned off to trophy hunters.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia announced statement on 1st of February, that the money received from the auction will be deposited in Trust Fund for Gaming Products this week will be used for so-called wilderness talks and rural development projects. There have also been speculations that the government is making room for extensive oil drilling in Namibia’s Okavango Basin.

Meanwhile, elephants, one of the smartest species on the planet with very strong family ties and groups, will be torn apart by the Namibian government. Unfortunately, bull elephants, mothers and their babies are likely to be killed because of money and greed.

Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism advocates the elephant auction as a way to mitigate the conflict between humans and wildlife, control their small elephant population and raise money for “conservation.” Ironically, given the 2019 bribery scandal that led to the imprisonment of the Justice and Fisheries ministers, raises serious concerns about the controversial auction.

Namibia was one of three African countries that were denied permission to sell their ivory stocks. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Those who vetoed the appeal said they feared the one-off sale would spur demand for ivory and spike poaching.

It’s shocking that the government Namibia has moved forward with its plan to auction wild elephants, and has falsely accused statement February 1 about conservationists and the animal welfare community. Despite the unreasonable attack, we must continue to fight to protect Africa’s last iconic species for their future and the future of our planet.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and glass. #GoVeg

The message is breaking! Despite public outcry, Namibia is moving forward with its controversial plan to auction 170 wild elephants, which first appeared in World Animal News.

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