# Botswana condemned for slaughtering elephants for independence celebrations

https://mins.news/en/item/80253

- BBC News, 2026-09-30 12:06 UTC
- Society
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxm2qmpy57ggo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> Botswana has authorised the hunting of 23 elephants and other wild animals to provide meat for nationwide celebrations marking 60 years of independence. Animal rights activists warn the decision could weaken conservation and encourage poaching, while some residents have raised concerns about eating game meat during a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.