Botswana Faces Criticism for Hunting Elephants in Independence Day Celebrations

Botswana marked its 60th Independence Day on September 30, 2026, with nationwide celebrations that included an unusual and controversial feature: the hunting of 23 elephants for meat to be served at the festivities.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism authorised licences for hunting these elephants, along with other wild animals, across eight districts. This decision was part of a government effort to provide game meat for traditional feasting during the celebrations.

However, the move sparked criticism from conservation groups and former officials. The Elephant Protection Society, based in Botswana, warned that sanctioning the killing of elephants for such events could weaken efforts to protect the species. Its chairman, Oaitse Nawa, expressed concern that it might send a message that killing elephants is acceptable when approved by the government, potentially encouraging poaching.

Former President Ian Khama also voiced his disapproval. He argued that the government should support local farmers by purchasing domestic animals instead of authorising elephant hunts. Khama highlighted that using wildlife in this way could set a precedent, leading to expectations that hunting wildlife for consumption might become a regular practice during national celebrations.

Images shared by local media showed people gathering around elephant carcasses, some collecting meat directly, raising concerns about fair distribution and hygiene. A local Member of Parliament suggested that meat should be processed into packages to avoid congestion and ensure vulnerable groups like the elderly and pregnant women have access.

Botswana is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with estimates around 130,000. The government has maintained that regulated hunting helps manage human-wildlife conflict and supports communities living alongside elephants. Hunting had been banned in 2014 but was reinstated in 2019 and continues under the current administration.

At the same time, the country has been managing outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease affecting livestock. Some members of the public expressed unease about consuming game meat amid these health concerns, though official veterinary sources do not confirm risks related to elephant meat.

It remains unclear how many of the authorised elephants were actually killed by the day of the celebrations, and the government has not provided detailed comments on the ecological reasoning behind the quota.