The Sunday Mail
There is nothing sinister in the decision by wildlife authorities to export elephants to both control the already large population and fund running costs at Hwange wildlife sanctuary as long as proper procedures are followed, a legal experts has said.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority recently indicated its intention to sell over 60 elephant calves to raise funds for wildlife management; a decision that has drawn the ire of the international media and animal protection groups.
Some reports are even claiming that there are rampant animal rights violations in Zimbabwe thereby creating bad publicity and threatening tourism.
Experts, however, say the sale is not illegal as long as proper procedures are followed.
“It looks like a campaign to soil the country’s international image has been convened again; these reports appearing on some international media are utter lies and are very bad for our tourism,” said an animal protection activist and renowned Harare lawyer who preferred anonymity.
“So this is a really saddening story my brother because at a time when we are trying to do something for ourselves, the ones with the muscles always try to mess it up for us.
“What even saddens me the most is that our officials in Government are not doing enough to put the correct version of events out there.”
According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II, trade in African elephants in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana is permissible.
CITES is a multilateral international wildlife conservation treaty.
“An export permit or re-export certificate issued by the management authority of the state of export or re-export is required (to sell animals abroad),” reads CITES Appendix II in which the African elephant is classified.
“In the case of a live animal or plant, it must be prepared and shipped to minimise any risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.”
According to Zimbabwe Parks Authroity conservation director Mr Geoffreys Matipano, Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi last week appealed to those who doubt the proposed sale of the elephants to come to Zimbabwe and see the truth for themselves.
