Elephant Culling Could Damage South Africa's Tourism, Survey Finds

CAPE TOWN, South Africa—A new survey reveals that over half (60%) of international tourists would consider visiting a different country if elephant culling is reinstated in South Africa. The survey, commissioned by Humane World for Animals South Africa, highlights potential damage to the nation's reputation as a leading wildlife and ecotourism destination.

Concerns Over Potential Culling

The survey was conducted amidst growing concerns that thousands of elephants could be culled, according to reports from provincial management authorities. Almost half of respondents (47%) explicitly stated they would be less likely to visit South Africa due to elephant culling. The top four overseas tourist source countries—Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are particularly vulnerable to reputational damage.

Most South Africans (77%) also believe that tourism would suffer if mass elephant killing were reintroduced.

Historical Context and Current Situation

Large-scale culling officially ended in South Africa in 1995 with a moratorium, following the systematic killing of over 14,500 elephants in Kruger National Park prior to that time, which sparked international outcry. Currently, over 2,000 elephants across the North West Park’s Madikwe and various KwaZulu-Natal game reserves face potential slaughter due to claims of overpopulation by provincial management authorities.

Economic Impact and Public Opinion

With tourism contributing nearly 9% of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product and supporting an estimated 1.5 to 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs, a return to mass elephant killing could have a devastating impact on the economy. Across all markets surveyed, opposition to the killing of elephants outweighs support. In Germany, South Africa's third largest tourist source country, 69% oppose culling.

Prioritizing Non-Lethal Methods

Across all markets, 80% agree that non-lethal methods should be prioritized over killing wherever possible. Dr. Audrey Delsink, elephant biologist and senior wildlife director at Humane World for Animals South Africa, emphasized that South Africa’s elephant policy choices must protect both its conservation integrity and its wildlife tourism future. Survey respondents overwhelmingly supported humane, non-lethal approaches, such as expanding elephant ranges, creating wildlife corridors, managing water sources, and using immunocontraception.