Search the terms “cull,” “hunting,” and “Namibia” on Google, and you’ll find numerous opportunities for luxury hunting experiences in Namibia, targeting animals like wildebeest, oryx, and zebra. Despite seeming counterintuitive, trophy and cull hunting play a crucial role in Namibia’s long-standing land management strategy known as “sustainable use.”

Profits from these hunts go back into local communities and conservation efforts, while the meat is distributed among locals. Currently, Namibia is turning to culling animals, such as buffalo, zebra, and elephants, due to the severe drought the country is experiencing.

While this move has sparked international outrage, supporters argue that controlling animal populations during droughts protects delicate ecosystems. They emphasize that shared benefits from controlled hunting incentivize locals to coexist with wildlife, preventing conflicts and promoting conservation.

Still, critics question the effectiveness of culling as a short-term solution and advocate for long-term sustainable alternatives. The debate around hunting in Namibia raises complex ethical, environmental, and public health concerns that continue to be scrutinized by conservationists and activists.