We urge the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, as well as the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, to take immediate action to end trophy hunting of Zimbabwe's elephant population and protect the totem animal Elephant.

Who is affected?

'Trophy hunting is not sustainable: Five hundred elephants per year since 1991 translates to 15,000 elephants.'

Poaching for ivory and trophy hunting is rampant, and the Elephant population is declining. This is a tragedy, both for the animals and for the people of Zimbabwe who have traditionally taken such great care of their totem animals.

What is at stake?
The onus is on you, Nhari Unendoro Nyamasvisva totem, to protect your elephant resemblance. Our humble request is that you follow in your forefathers' footsteps and protect the environment.

The elephant is a symbol of good fortune and family protection in Zimbabwean culture. When the elephant appears, it is thought to bring good fortune and ensure the family's prosperity. Your forefathers were aware of this, and they took pride in descending from the elephant totem. You should too. They knew that if these elephants went extinct, they would lose their identity. 

The elephant represents strength, power, and wisdom, and you are expected to act similarly. The elephant is a symbol of leadership and authority in African culture, and it is thought to represent the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success. You must assume the role of leader and protect your totem animal.

You are the elephant totem, and you must identify with your tribe and assist them when they are in need by signing this petition. 

Remember the line "We are each other's keeper" from the book Rainmaker?

These majestic animals are an important part of Zimbabwe's history and identity, with spiritual and symbolic meanings that are deeply ingrained in Zimbabwean culture. We request you protect these elephants and your culture.

Trophy hunting these elephants for the sport has become a popular pastime for those who can afford it.  We believe that elephant trophy hunting should be prohibited in order to protect this species for you. It is an unethical and cruel practice that serves no purpose other than to entertain a select few by killing your totem animal.

Your culture is a part of who you are. Your totem represents who you are. You can't hide from it. Prior to the so-called civilization here in Zimbabwe, ancestors practised conservation and lived in perfect harmony. You are blessed with this beautiful culture, and everything you do outside is a carbon copy of what Zimbabwe culture has always done.

Our culture is like a master template that so-called modernization is copying and applying cosmetics to make it appear brand new. We also urge the government to collaborate with local communities to ensure that traditional practices of respecting and preserving the Elephant population continue.

Myth: Trophy hunting aids in the conservation of wildlife populations.
Fact: Trophy hunting depletes wildlife populations by eliminating the strongest and healthiest animals, which are regarded as better trophies. Hunters frequently target endangered species, contributing to the global wildlife trade, which endangers biodiversity and wilderness habitats.

Myth: Trophy hunting helps local communities and conservation efforts financially.
The trophy hunting industry only benefits a few outfitters, sponsors, and government agencies. Very little of the revenue is invested in local economies, creates jobs, or is distributed to conservation organizations. Meanwhile, animal-friendly eco-tourism provides an efficient, sustainable, and cruelty-free economic opportunity.

What needs to be done?

We strongly urge you to sign this petition. Share it with your totem clan, friends, parents, teachers, and anyone else you know who might be able to assist us in saving our totem animal elephant. 

We believe that protecting these animals is critical to the preservation of the cultural heritage and the livelihoods of Zimbabweans!