Von MET:
The Ministry is finalising arrangements to translocate the Swakop elephant to a more suitable area.
The elephant has unfortunately been reported causing problems, concerns were brought to the Ministry particularly from the management of Rossmund.
Reports include damage to property and threat to people's lives. Unfortunately we are left with no choice but to translocate it to a more suitable area.
The Ministry received two offers to keep the elephant from farm owners, which were considered equally, we chose the most favourable offer. To avoid intimidation and victimisation to the farm owners, we cant give farm details at this point.
The Ministry has in its interest the safety and wellbeing of this elephant. Contrary to assumptions that the elephant will be hunted as a trophy.
The Ministry has demostrated its commitment to ensure the elephant's survival from the very beginning since the elephant appeared in Swakopmund for the first time. We have went to great extents to protect this single elephant.
Also note that, once translocated, the elephant will remain state property. We reject insinuation that the elephant will be hunted as a trophy, these are false and baseless assumptions.
We will be giving regular updates on the translocation and how the elephant adapts to it's new environment.
