Botswana has so many elephants it approved the killing of 23 this week for independence celebrations

GABORONE, Botswana (AP) — The Botswana government has granted permission for the killing of 23 elephants to be used in its independence day celebrations, sparking criticism from conservationists and former president Ian Khama. This annual quota, which ranges from 200 to over 400 elephants per year, aims to manage elephant populations and minimize human-elephant conflict.

Elephants, which are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are abundant in Botswana, with an estimated 130,000 residing in the country. The government authorized the hunting of antelopes as well, coinciding with the nation's 60th independence anniversary from Britain on Wednesday. Conservationists argue that each elephant shot increases the defensive behavior of the remaining herd, potentially leading to further hostilities.