South Africa to Resume Culling Elephants

Elephants in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

South African wildlife officials say they will be forced to begin culling the country’s elephants later this year as the last available option to control a population expanding out of control.

Since a ban on killing the animals was established in 1995, the number of elephants in South Africa has risen from about 8,000 to 18,000.

Similar increases have been observed in other parts of southern Africa. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other environmental groups acknowledge that limited available habitat makes the cull necessary.

“We all love our elephants, they are the most charismatic icon of Africa. But we don’t have the luxury to allow one species to dominate and alter the composition of our natural assets,” said WWF’s Rob Little.

Wildlife officials said culling will be done by skilled marksmen and only after being recommended by an elephant management specialist, and approved by appropriate authorities.

Since elephants have been observed mourning the loss of family members, wildlife authorities say entire families will be culled together to reduce trauma.

Video: Kruger National Park

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