The largest land mammal on earth, elephants are extremely intelligent, social and grieve tremendously for the loss of family members. Can you imagine these majestic creatures being herded into family groups by helicopters, and then shot in the head by marksmen?

This population control measure (cull) by lethal means is exactly what is being proposed by South Africa National Parks (SANParks) in order to protect the vegetation of the park from a perceived overpopulation of elephants. But culling is a cruel, unethical and scientifically unsound practice that does not consider the welfare implications to elephant society as a whole, which is why it has been banned in South Africa since an international outcry halted the practice in 1994.

Other non-lethal options should be considered, including contraception and habitat expansion through trans-boundary conservation projects.

Please send a letter to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, expressing your concern about the proposed cull and the impacts it would not only have on these intelligent, social animals but also on how the country is perceived as a wildlife destination.

A decision to resume culling would be a political one and not one based on sound science and animal welfare.

Take action now: http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=17943