Stop the Killing of 23 Elephants for Independence Day Celebrations

To: The Government of Botswana, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and Wildlife Conservation Authorities

Our demand: Protect elephants. End the killing. Choose compassion.

Why this matters

Botswana recently authorised the hunting of 23 elephants as part of its 60th Independence Day celebrations, with the meat intended for distribution to communities. The decision, reported in October 2026, has sparked concern among wildlife conservationists and animal lovers around the world. Source: Associated Press

Independence Day should represent freedom, hope, unity and a brighter future. How can we celebrate freedom while taking away the lives of these magnificent animals?

Elephants are intelligent, social and deeply important to the natural world. They help maintain healthy ecosystems and are an irreplaceable part of our planet’s wildlife heritage.

We recognise that Botswana faces genuine challenges, including human-elephant conflict and the need to support communities living alongside wildlife. These concerns deserve serious attention. However, we believe that celebrations and community welfare should be pursued through compassionate, sustainable alternatives wherever possible.

What are we asking for?

We respectfully call upon the Government of Botswana to:

1. End the use of elephants for national celebrations. No animal should be killed as part of a celebratory tradition.

2. Review and reconsider elephant-hunting quotas associated with public festivities and strengthen long-term wildlife protection.

3. Promote humane alternatives for providing food and supporting communities during national celebrations.

4. Invest in human-elephant coexistence programmes, including crop protection, community support and measures to reduce conflict.

5. Engage with conservationists and animal-welfare organisations to develop policies that protect wildlife while respecting local communities and their livelihoods.

Our message to Botswana

Botswana is home to one of the world’s largest elephant populations and has a remarkable natural heritage. Protecting this heritage can be a source of national pride.

We are not asking Botswana to ignore the difficulties faced by its people. We are asking its leaders to explore solutions that allow both people and wildlife to thrive.

The 23 elephants represent more than a number. They represent the urgent need to rethink how humanity treats the animals with whom we share this planet.

A nation’s greatness is reflected not only in how it celebrates its independence, but also in how it protects the vulnerable and preserves its natural heritage for future generations.

Our promise

We, the undersigned, call for a future in which elephants are protected, communities are supported, and national celebrations honour life rather than take it away.

Please reconsider this approach and commit to a more compassionate future for Botswana’s elephants.

Let independence stand for freedom for all living beings.

🐘 Be their voice. Protect their future. Stop the killing.

#SaveBotswanaElephants #ProtectWildlife #AnimalWelfare #ChooseCompassion #LetElephantsLive