Namibia to cull elephants and hippos, distribute meat to drought-hit population

Namibia plans to kill 83 elephants and 30 hippos and distribute the meat to population affected by a prolonged drought, the environment minister said.

The Namibian government also plans to cull other species including 60 buffalo, as well as 50 impala, 100 blue wildebeest, 300 zebra, and 100 elands.

The government argues that the move was necessary as animals have been forced to graze in farmlands, already affected by water stress.

Nearly half Namibia’s population are expected to suffer food shortage due to a drought that lasted seven years.

Namibia has exhausted 84% of its food reserves last month, according to the United Nations.