Zimbabwe’s elephants
Elephants, the big-eared nomads of Africa, are in trouble. They are squeezed for space, many are slain for ivory, and others are sold into captivity.
Zimbabwe, in southern Africa, is blessed with large herds of elephants, some of the happiest on the continent … but there is danger, both from poaching and live export. The elephants are up for sale and buyers are waiting.
“And foe to none, suspects no enemies, …”
Zimbabwe does not hide the fact that it has young elephants in captivity awaiting export – 27 of them between the ages of three and five. All in this particular group are due to be flown to China.
The official reason given for the sale is that it will raise money for the country’s National Parks. There are many who doubt that the money paid will ever benefit Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
Two of the young elephants currently awaiting export in Zimbabwe
Elephants have paced across Africa for more millennia than man. It is their home … but it’s not safe.
The Phraser 