"We must mobilise resources for the upkeep of our wild animals, like elephants, by selling," he said. To auction animals, ZimParks authorities have invited "expressions of interest" from bidders with the capacity to manage the wildlife. As prolonged drought dries up waterholes and grass, Zimbabwe's government is taking an unprecedented step to keep the wildlife in its game reserves alive: It is selling the animals to private owners. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency estimates that 620 Cape buffalo died in 2015 as a result of the ongoing drought. In the past, the country has offered a range of animals for sale, including elephants, lions, impala antelope and zebras.

Source: The Star June 20, 2016 10:07 UTC