Image: Douglas Sprott
Zimbabwe recently announced plans to sell its “excess” wild animals due to a historic drought in the region.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) stated, “In light of the drought that was induced by the El-Nino phenomenon, ZimParks intends to destock its parks estates selling some of the wildlife. The authority is, therefore, inviting members of the public with the capacity to acquire and manage wildlife to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI)…”
Image: Per Arne Slotte
Selling wildlife, according to ZimParks, will ensure that pastures and water resources do not become fully depleted before the start of the next rainy season. The drought has already dried up countless reservoirs, wiped out crops, and decimated tens of thousands of cattle.
Many people in the region are struggling to find adequate food and water sources.
Image: European Commission DG ECHO
This won’t be the first time Zimbabwe has resorted to using this strategy. Over the past year, the country has sold dozens of elephants to China despite concerns from conservationists worldwide.
We can only hope that these animals will end up in safe and nurturing environments where they get the care that they need, and that the people and remaining wildlife in Zimbabwe can recover from this devastating drought.
