The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has greenlit a controversial elephant management exercise at Save Valley Conservancy, targeting 50 elephants in a bid to ease pressure on the ecosystem.
According to the latest 2024 aerial wildlife census, Save Valley Conservancy is currently home to 2,550 elephants—more than triple its ecological carrying capacity of 800.
The staggering numbers have raised alarm among conservationists and land managers, prompting action to avoid long-term damage to vegetation and water sources critical for biodiversity.
“Over the past five years, the Conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to areas like Hurungwe and Sapi to mitigate the impact, but the population continues to grow at an unsustainable rate,” said ZimParks national spokesperson Tinashe Farawo.
Under the newly issued permits, elephant meat harvested during the management operation will be distributed to surrounding communities, while ivory and other by-products will be surrendered to the state for safekeeping by ZimParks.
Farawo said the operation is being carried out under strict conservation protocols and reflects a broader commitment to sustainability.
“We remain committed to responsible, sustainable management of wildlife resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
