https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/botswana-condemned-for-slaughtering-23-elephants-for-independence-celebrationsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/botswana-condemned-for-slaughtering-23-elephants-for-independence-celebrationshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/botswana-condemned-for-slaughtering-23-elephants-for-independence-celebrations#u96193Sat, 03 Oct 2026 08:55:41 +0000Botswana faces fierce international backlash from animal rights activists and conservationists after authorizing the slaughter of 23 elephants to provide meat for its 60th independence anniversary celebrations. The government also permitted the hunting of dozens of other wild animals for the national festivities. Critics warn that using the animals for celebratory feasts undermines global conservation standing and anti-poaching messaging. Officials and defenders counter that the southern African nation hosts the largest elephant population in the world, holding more than 130,000 of the animals