On June 4, 2025, Zimbabwe’s wildlife authorities announced the decision to issue permits for the killing of at least 50 elephants in the southern Save Valley Conservancy, where the elephant population has tripled beyond the habitat’s capacity.
The reserve currently hosts around 2,550 elephants—far exceeding its sustainable limit of 800—posing risks to both wildlife and nearby communities. In recent years, about 200 elephants were relocated to other reserves, but overpopulation remains a major challenge.
Zimbabwe is home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations. Climate change and resource scarcity have intensified conflicts between humans and wildlife.
