The president of Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. His comments, appearing in German media, came in response to the German government's suggestion that there should be stricter limits on importing hunting trophies. Botswana has struggled to deal with a huge population of elephants, and its president assured that his threat was "no joke."

State House Drive

The president of Botswana has made a noteworthy announcement regarding the country's elephant population, suggesting a dramatic solution to an ongoing issue. The statement, which was reported by German media, included a threat to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. This comment was in direct response to the German government's proposition for stricter regulations on the importation of hunting trophies.

Botswana is currently facing challenges related to its significant elephant population. The president's assertion that his statement was "no joke" underscores the gravity with which Botswana views its dilemma and the lengths it is willing to go to address the issue. This move is indicative of the broader conversation around wildlife management and conservation efforts, particularly in countries struggling with large animal populations.



Botswana threatens to send 20,000 elephants to Germany

Botswana is overflowing with elephants. Thanks to conservation efforts, the country is home to some 130,000 of them, making up a third of the world's elephant population. A success story to be sure, but many in Botswana have come to regard the massive creatures as a huge menace to property, crops and even human life. So when Germany's environment minister suggested imposing stricter limits on hunting trophies, Botswana's president had some choice words. Speaking to a German newspaper, Magwitsi Macisi threatened to export 20,000 elephants to Germany, saying, quote, if you like them so much, then please accept this gift from us. And adding, this is no joke. Macisi says his country is paying the price for the world's conservation efforts and that bans on hunting trophies hamper wildlife conservation, make anti-poaching efforts harder and impoverish residents who depend on tourism. Adult elephants have no real natural predators in Botswana. And in an effort to control the population, the country has exported 8,000 of them to neighboring Angola. Also, as of 2019, for a hefty price, foreigners can buy a permit to hunt an elephant and take its head or skin home as a trophy, a practice denounced by animal rights groups. Germany is the largest importer of elephant trophies in the EU. A practice banned by others in the bloc, including France and Belgium. Last month, Botswana's wildlife minister made a similar threat to send 10,000 elephants to London's Hyde Park, as the U.K. argues over its own restrictions on hunting trophies. As the West debates a practice considered cruel by many, Botswana is eager for outsiders to be like it, unable to ignore the elephant in the room.

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