The government of Zimbabwe plans to increase the number of wild animals, including elephants, captured and imported to China. The African nation says that it does not have enough money to protect its own wildlife, and the sales of animals will help raise money to maintain its national parks.

Zimbabwe Minister of Environment, Water, and Climate Oppah Muchinguri told the state-run Herald newspaper that the increased number of imports will decrease the number of elephants dying in the current drought. 100 elephants were sold to China in July, and are in good condition, she said.

The BBC reported last Wednesday that China has asked to purchase more elephants, baboons, hyenas, and lions from Zimbabwe. The 100 elephants sold to China in July were purchased at about $40,000 per animal. Zimbabwe’s elephant population is estimated at 84,000.

The government plans to rake up 600,000 Pounds in elephant exports to China. The funds will partially be used to combat poaching. 

The majority of animals exported to China are sent to Guangzhou’s Chimelong Safari Park, which is home to about 20,000 rare wild animals. Chimelong Safari Park already boasts giraffes from Africa, elephants from Thailand, and tigers from Bangladesh.

Source: inews.qq.com

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Keywords: China elephants Zimbabwe elephants to China Zimbabwe