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Several years ago, Botswana rightfully banned the coward's pastime of trophy hunting and the country's anti-poaching unit was the best in the region—if not the world. Members of the armed unit patrolled elephants' habitats, while the country's military was mobilized throughout the region, tasked with preventing poaching. In April, a new government took power, and it demilitarized the anti-poaching unit shortly after taking office.
In recent months, nearly 90 elephants in Botswana have been killed for their tusks.
Outrage is worldwide. People everywhere are appealing to Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi to reinstate anti-poaching efforts, which were once applauded internationally, immediately. Botswana is home to the largest population of elephants in Africa—an estimated 130,000—and has long been seen as a safe haven for animals.
In May, the anti-poaching unit was disarmed as part of a broader action in which military weapons and equipment were withdrawn from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, according to a government statement.
In addition to the elephants, five white rhinoceroses have also reportedly been poached in the area in recent months.
Please let President Masisi know how strongly you feel about protecting Botswana's wildlife.