Baby Elephants Transported to China Despite International Ban

More than thirty baby elephants, separated from their mothers in Zimbabwe almost a year ago, were flown to China this week for a life in zoos and circuses. Humane Society International/Africa (HSI/Africa) had been monitoring the calves since February, when they were found in an enclosure at Hwange National Park.

Concerns Raised Over Welfare

Following reports of the planned transport, HSI/Africa, alongside the Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Sibanye Animal & Welfare Conservancy Trust, filed urgent papers with the Harare High Court seeking to assess the elephants’ welfare – a request previously denied by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Ban on Elephant Capture

The transport occurred despite a landmark vote at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in August, imposing a near-total ban on the capture of wild African elephants from Botswana and Zimbabwe for export to zoos. The African Elephant Coalition, comprised of 32 African nations, had urged Zimbabwe to cease exporting elephants.

Future Monitoring

HSI/Africa is working with advocates in China to track the elephants’ location and monitor their welfare. Wildlife director Audrey Delsink stated that their future would be one of ‘deprivation and suffering,’ far removed from their natural lives.