Botswana Threatens to Send Thousands of Elephants to Europe Amid Diplomatic Row: Economic Impact and Conservation Concerns

Botswana has threatened to send thousands of elephants to Europe for the second time this year, following a diplomatic row between the UK and Germany over stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies amid concerns over poaching.

Botswana’s wildlife minister threatened to send 10,000 elephants to Hyde Park in London to allow the UK to “have a taste of living alongside them.”

The warnings were sparked by a diplomatic row as the UK and Germany mull the idea of stricter limits on the import of hunting trophies amid concerns over poaching.

Botswana says a ban on importing hunting trophies would be an economic blow for citizens by cutting safari revenue. The growing elephant population has caused havoc in the country, damaging homes, drinking water, feeding on crops, and trampling people to death.

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi said this was “not a joke” and offered to offer 20,000 elephants to Germany.