Africa News
Zim elephant exports to go ahead─── 11:37 Sun, 08 Mar 2015
Harare - Zimbabwe's environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere says authorities will push on with a controversial programme to export elephants because the money raised helps stop state rangers poaching.
This is according to parliamentary records from the Senate this week.
Zimbabwean authorities began rounding up baby elephants for export in Hwange National Park late last year in an operation that sparked international outrage.
President Robert Mugabe's government says the move is justified because that state national parks and wildlife authority badly needs the money.
The government also claims that Zimbabwe cannot support its estimated 83,000 elephants.
However, animal lovers say it is cruel to separate elephant calves from their families.
The independent Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force says that China alone has ordered between 80 and 100 elephants. Other countries have also expressed an interest in buying elephants and other game.
Sapa
