Why is Zimbabwe trying to get rid of some of its elephants?

In their quest to try and find ways to control what they are calling an “overpopulation” of its elephants, Zimbabwe recently held a summit, in the hopes to garner support to lift the ban on the ivory trade. Zimbabwe says it’s sitting on an ivory stockpile of more than 130,000 tonnes which could net them more than half a billion dollars and which in turn could help develop the country with building of schools, hospitals and roads. They also believe the funds could help sustain conservation work. Zimbabwe also maintains the elephants are a threat to local communities whom they come into conflict with in search for space and resources. The elephants are also blamed for crop destructions and killing people, with at least 35 reported fatalities so far this year. But countries like Kenya, which is firmly against the lifting of the ban believes that by doing so it could revitalise ivory sales and lead to the resurgence of illegal markets. Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 by the Convention for the International Trade of Endangered Species – Cites - in efforts to protect elephants. So on today’s Africa Daily, Ferdinand Omondi is asking why is Zimbabwe trying to get rid of some of its elephants? Guest: Tinashe Farawo, Zimbabwe national parks spokesperson