More than 30 Travel Agents have slapped on Zimbabwe travel sanctions through their businesses protesting over government’s kidnapping of baby elephants to go on sale in the European Union and China.
In a development that is set to hit hard on the tourism industry as thousands of tourists are blocked, bosses of at least 31 agents have reportedly instructed their employees to block Zimbabwe visits for their clients. This came following revelations that Zimbabwe is planning to sell about 60 elephants to foreign buyers.
This comes at a time when some environmentalists are attacking the country for selling baby elephants to China and other countries.
Chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Taskforce, Johnny Rodrigues, said most tourists are upset about the sale of baby elephants, which has been strongly defended by Acting Environment Minister Walter Mzembi. Click to listen
Each elephant is expected to fetch a paltry $6,000.
But Mzembi tells Studio 7’s Ntungamili Nkomo there is no going back on selling the elephants, adding Zimbabwe has even exported animals to countries like the United States.
– VOA
100 Replies to “Zimbabwe Slapped with Sanctions Over Elephant Kidnapping”
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This justifiable response should send a clear message to the authorities involved in this terrifying operations risking human and animals lives and utter cruelty to the baby elephants who at at high risk without mothers that their actions are indefensible on every level and the reality of their immoral business deals of selling animals like products cannot the acceptable! The economics makes no sense for paltry short term gains at the risk of longer term decline in tourism with financial losses!!
This justifiable response should send a clear message to the authorities involved in this terrifying operations risking human and animals lives and utter cruelty to the baby elephants who at at high risk without mothers that their actions are indefensible on every level and the reality of their immoral business deals of selling animals like products cannot the acceptable! The economics makes no sense for paltry short term gains at the risk of longer term decline in tourism with financial losses!!
I support the fully righteous sanctions against these governments for kidnapping elephants–as Dorothy Parker wrote: “What fresh hell is this?” It is well known that baby elephants need their biological mothers upwards of four years and their herds forever–may the captured elephants’ pain be assuaged, and that pain returned in like measure to the tormentors!
I support the fully righteous sanctions against these governments for kidnapping elephants–as Dorothy Parker wrote: “What fresh hell is this?” It is well known that baby elephants need their biological mothers upwards of four years and their herds forever–may the captured elephants’ pain be assuaged, and that pain returned in like measure to the tormentors!
this dictator Mugabe also murdered 20,000 Zim citizens (those from another tribe)…he is beastly.
this dictator Mugabe also murdered 20,000 Zim citizens (those from another tribe)…he is beastly.
I would LOVE to contact ANY of these tourists, maybe any who also taped these live elephant captures…outrageous treatment of elephants.
I would LOVE to contact ANY of these tourists, maybe any who also taped these live elephant captures…outrageous treatment of elephants.
I support these sanctions completely.
I support these sanctions completely.
ANIMALS ARE NOT PRODUCTS – THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE WILLING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE GLOBAL ANIMAL HOLOCAUST OF MAN DUE TO GREED, CORRUPTION, IGNORANCE, ARROGANCE AND APATHY.
ANIMALS ARE NOT PRODUCTS – THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE WILLING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE GLOBAL ANIMAL HOLOCAUST OF MAN DUE TO GREED, CORRUPTION, IGNORANCE, ARROGANCE AND APATHY.
Thanks Sharon, an atrocity for sure.
Thanks Sharon, an atrocity for sure.
Definitely support the sanctions! Protecting our heritage should be basic common sense. Funny how money just takes that away.
Jeffrey, I am just guessing that the word is not used correctly. . . actually looks more like an organized boycott of travel agents who will cancel trips if these babies are exported.
Jeffrey, I am just guessing that the word is not used correctly. . . actually looks more like an organized boycott of travel agents who will cancel trips if these babies are exported.
I fully support the sanctions against Zimbabwe for kidnapping baby elephants from their families for export. This is a HORRIBLE situation. Elephants are compassionate, caring and highly intelligent animals and my heart breaks for the babies and the moms, I know they are in despair and it’s not right. SHAME ON ZIMBABWE.
I SUPPORT the SANCTIONS AGAINST ZIMBABWE for kidnapping baby elephants from their families for “export”, that is beyond terrible and they need to be stopped
I SUPPORT the SANCTIONS AGAINST ZIMBABWE for kidnapping baby elephants from their families for “export”, that is beyond terrible and they need to be stopped
Such a shame that this is going on, from a country that should be conserving and protecting it’s wildlife, all for money and greed! I definitely support the sanctions. I am sorry to all the animals for humans greed and stupidity!
Thank you Nancy.
Thank you Nancy.
Tourists go to Zimbabwe to see its wildlife so perhaps the country should be protecting its natural resources and not killing the animals and selling off the babies. The country should be boycotted for sending such intelligent animals as elephants to zoos to live lives of misery!
Tourists go to Zimbabwe to see its wildlife so perhaps the country should be protecting its natural resources and not killing the animals and selling off the babies. The country should be boycotted for sending such intelligent animals as elephants to zoos to live lives of misery!
Oh Zimbabwe if only your environment minister & government was responsible and not so short-sighted you wouldn’t be in your financial bind. Resorting to pimping out wildlife for cash is not protecting anything but your bottom line. Perhaps you need to see these creatures as more than cash cows. If you have too many elephants you probably have too many people – whats next? Sell them to China, France and the United Emirates? All of these countries should be ashamed. Animals should not pay the price for bad planning and greed driven tourism.
Oh Zimbabwe if only your environment minister & government was responsible and not so short-sighted you wouldn’t be in your financial bind. Resorting to pimping out wildlife for cash is not protecting anything but your bottom line. Perhaps you need to see these creatures as more than cash cows. If you have too many elephants you probably have too many people – whats next? Sell them to China, France and the United Emirates? All of these countries should be ashamed. Animals should not pay the price for bad planning and greed driven tourism.
Thank you for enforcing these sanctions!
This is terrific! I will never visit a country that steals sentient beings from their family groups. It is very abhorrent human behavior! These animals need to be returned to their groups and the corrupt officials should be punished for this behavior. When the elephants are all gone what will they sell then? Shame on countries that sell out the heart and soul of the very things that makes them a unique and wonderful place to see!
This is terrific! I will never visit a country that steals sentient beings from their family groups. It is very abhorrent human behavior! These animals need to be returned to their groups and the corrupt officials should be punished for this behavior. When the elephants are all gone what will they sell then? Shame on countries that sell out the heart and soul of the very things that makes them a unique and wonderful place to see!
It is completely despicable what Zimbabwe is doing, killing mothers, kidnapping their babies and selling them into a life of slavery. They should be protecting their wildlife with everything in their power. They claim they are doing this to make some of the money they need to protect their wildlife. Well, it looks like these barbaric and cruel acts will hurt the tourism industry in Zimbabwe, and the financial losses may out weigh the money gained by selling these poor babies. To these travel agents, I say keep up the good work! I for one will never spend one cent of my travel dollars in Zimbabwe. I am thoroughly and utterly disgusted!
It is completely despicable what Zimbabwe is doing, killing mothers, kidnapping their babies and selling them into a life of slavery. They should be protecting their wildlife with everything in their power. They claim they are doing this to make some of the money they need to protect their wildlife. Well, it looks like these barbaric and cruel acts will hurt the tourism industry in Zimbabwe, and the financial losses may out weigh the money gained by selling these poor babies. To these travel agents, I say keep up the good work! I for one will never spend one cent of my travel dollars in Zimbabwe. I am thoroughly and utterly disgusted!
I fully support sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and applaud the moves made by these 30 travel agents. As a potential tourist, I commit to staying away from Zimbabwe and spending my tourist dollars in countries that revere their precious wildlife as opposed to giving in to selling off their wildlife — a clear form of cancerous, barbaric greed. This is a deplorable, unconscionable disgrace and the entire world should be condemning and boycotting Zimbabwe. Shame, shame, shame!
I fully support sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and applaud the moves made by these 30 travel agents. As a potential tourist, I commit to staying away from Zimbabwe and spending my tourist dollars in countries that revere their precious wildlife as opposed to giving in to selling off their wildlife — a clear form of cancerous, barbaric greed. This is a deplorable, unconscionable disgrace and the entire world should be condemning and boycotting Zimbabwe. Shame, shame, shame!
I support these sanctions. The elephants shouldn’t be taken from their mothers and they definitely shouldn’t be sold to other countries. Kudos to the travel companies for standing up for them!
I support these sanctions. The elephants shouldn’t be taken from their mothers and they definitely shouldn’t be sold to other countries. Kudos to the travel companies for standing up for them!
It’s unthinkable what we human predators are capable of. Selling young elephants for selfish desires using hideous means, when is this ever going to end? I know there is a lot of ugliness in this world, however when I see how the tourism companies are standing up to this horrible situation, I am grateful and I wholeheartedly support them.
It’s unthinkable what we human predators are capable of. Selling young elephants for selfish desires using hideous means, when is this ever going to end? I know there is a lot of ugliness in this world, however when I see how the tourism companies are standing up to this horrible situation, I am grateful and I wholeheartedly support them.
Thank you Walter.
Thank you Walter.
Thank you Kandace.
Thank you Kandace.
It is shocking that with everything we know about elephants that Zimbabwe has done this. It is absolutely not valid and we will continue to work with Tourism and the travel industry to ensure that they do not support travel to Zimbabwe under these circumstances.
It is shocking that with everything we know about elephants that Zimbabwe has done this. It is absolutely not valid and we will continue to work with Tourism and the travel industry to ensure that they do not support travel to Zimbabwe under these circumstances.
So glad the world is starting to “get it”….this situation is just deplorable and NO ONE should support their travel/tourist industry until it is stopped. Bravo!
Thank you Mariana.
Thank you Tamara.
Thank you Judi.
Thank you Mariana.
Thank you Tamara.
Thank you Judi.
I support the sanctions. Bravo to the travel agency industry folks who have implemented them. The “sale” of elephants is a tragedy for the elephants themselves, but also for the image and reputation of Zimbabwe. Those in favor of this “sale” are either callous and greedy, or have a great deal to learn about the intelligence and sensitivity of the wondrous elephant. I am so happy that there are some folks who have the courage to take a stand against this kind of odious behavior.
I support the sanctions. Bravo to the travel agency industry folks who have implemented them. The “sale” of elephants is a tragedy for the elephants themselves, but also for the image and reputation of Zimbabwe. Those in favor of this “sale” are either callous and greedy, or have a great deal to learn about the intelligence and sensitivity of the wondrous elephant. I am so happy that there are some folks who have the courage to take a stand against this kind of odious behavior.
I fully support the sanctions taken. However, this should never have happened in the first place!
I fully support the sanctions taken. However, this should never have happened in the first place!
our behaviour on this beautiful planet is an absolute shame.
our behaviour on this beautiful planet is an absolute shame.
What a disgrace. It’s bad enough that Zimbabwe leaders are trying to pull this off but it’s equally disgusting that creeps in China, France and UAE are creating the demand. Wake the hell people. Stop rounding up these precious beasts so humans can gawk at them in sad, lonely settings. May this one horrendous event shed light on all you corrupt, weak-minded wildlife traders. I for one would love to see every one of you rounded up, ripped from your families and left to rot in a dark hole.
What a disgrace. It’s bad enough that Zimbabwe leaders are trying to pull this off but it’s equally disgusting that creeps in China, France and UAE are creating the demand. Wake the hell people. Stop rounding up these precious beasts so humans can gawk at them in sad, lonely settings. May this one horrendous event shed light on all you corrupt, weak-minded wildlife traders. I for one would love to see every one of you rounded up, ripped from your families and left to rot in a dark hole.
Anyone would be a fool to visit Zimbabwe anyway. The dictatorship is rife with evil, corruption and abuse of people and animals, and has been for YEARS! Anyone who knows ANYthing about Africa should know this– especially tourism companies. It is a dangerous place, and they would be negligent in sending anybody there.
Anyone would be a fool to visit Zimbabwe anyway. The dictatorship is rife with evil, corruption and abuse of people and animals, and has been for YEARS! Anyone who knows ANYthing about Africa should know this– especially tourism companies. It is a dangerous place, and they would be negligent in sending anybody there.
I support these sanctions! The capture of these baby elephants for sale is an egregious act. The Zimbabwe government is allowing their own heritage to be destroyed for profit. These elephants are sentient beings, already enduring the atrocities of poaching throughout Africa. Zimbabwe should be protecting them, not capturing, terrorizing and selling them for profit. More must be done until these elephants are returned and similar actions stop.
I support these sanctions! The capture of these baby elephants for sale is an egregious act. The Zimbabwe government is allowing their own heritage to be destroyed for profit. These elephants are sentient beings, already enduring the atrocities of poaching throughout Africa. Zimbabwe should be protecting them, not capturing, terrorizing and selling them for profit. More must be done until these elephants are returned and similar actions stop.
The world has been watching Zimbabwe and we are all completely disgusted by their actions. This is pure greed. What they have done is beyond horrific. Their country will pay for this mistake for years to come
The world has been watching Zimbabwe and we are all completely disgusted by their actions. This is pure greed. What they have done is beyond horrific. Their country will pay for this mistake for years to come
Shooting female elephants and capturing the babies for export is disgusting. Tourism could make Zimbabwe a lot of money but not if it does this sort of thing. I won’t be booking my next African holiday in Zimbabwe.
Let us all be in agreement that we will not support this incredibly violent behavior. It is wrong on every level I can think of. I will not support any travel to this area, I will continue to sign any petition to bring awareness of this atrocity to the world. I hope we can all speak up, I hope we can make a change and I am heartbroken for these babies and their families. We all are aware of how important the family unit is in the life of an elephant, aren’t we?
I support these sanctions. Animals should not be treated as commodities being shipped around like inanimate objects. They feel, love, and can suffer and are sentient beings. Moreover these particular creatures here are on the verge of being extinct and all the reason more we need to protect them. Not to mention these are babies… which makes it THAT much worse. And who knows what type of laws will protect these elephants (animal welfare laws in China are scarce if any).
Zimbabwe should be protecting these precious animals not killing and selling off their babies. I hope every single tourist agency in the world boycotts a country that exploits its most precious asset with unspeakable cruelty.
Zimbabwe should be protecting these precious animals not killing and selling off their babies. I hope every single tourist agency in the world boycotts a country that exploits its most precious asset with unspeakable cruelty.
Against this do not send these Elephants to their doom!!!!
Against this do not send these Elephants to their doom!!!!
I support these sanctions completely. The kidnappings of these baby elephants is immoral and should be illegal. T
This is one US citizen that is taking Zimbabwe off our travel list. Looks like we’ll be going back to Botswana!!
This is one US citizen that is taking Zimbabwe off our travel list. Looks like we’ll be going back to Botswana!!
Maybe if slightly less money was stolen by the corrupt Zim government and slightly less money was spent on Mugabe birthday parties, they may have enough money to look after their natural resources without resorting to selling them to the highest bidder. Just a thought.
Maybe if slightly less money was stolen by the corrupt Zim government and slightly less money was spent on Mugabe birthday parties, they may have enough money to look after their natural resources without resorting to selling them to the highest bidder. Just a thought.
Hope these sanctions get the attention of the Zimbabwe government. It is morally abhorrent to separate Elephant calves from their mothers. These extremely intelligent and social beings will be sent to live a life of torture and misery as slaves. Please, in the name of common decency, don’t condemn these sentient beings to that.
Hope these sanctions get the attention of the Zimbabwe government. It is morally abhorrent to separate Elephant calves from their mothers. These extremely intelligent and social beings will be sent to live a life of torture and misery as slaves. Please, in the name of common decency, don’t condemn these sentient beings to that.
I totally support these sanctions. It should go further though. All countries involved in these horrendous kidnappings should also suffer. Shame on all of them!
I totally support these sanctions. It should go further though. All countries involved in these horrendous kidnappings should also suffer. Shame on all of them!
Thank you to all the tourist companies involved, we salute you for taking action. We need MORE from companies / governments around the world to end this horror! Elephants are maternal, loving beings. They mourn the loss and death of their loved ones. A baby calf needs its mother’s milk to survive up to and including the age of 5. These baby elephants kidnapped from their mothers, are much younger than 5 and will not survive without their moms. If at all they survive the period of captivity and transport, they are then destined to a life of captivity and torture. Is it really worth it to steal the wildlife for extra profit? Do the right thing Zimbabwe, give back the babies to their families. And the world will commend you. Until then expect huge international pressure and most definitely more tourism being blocked. The world is shocked at your actions.
Thank you to all the tourist companies involved, we salute you for taking action. We need MORE from companies / governments around the world to end this horror! Elephants are maternal, loving beings. They mourn the loss and death of their loved ones. A baby calf needs its mother’s milk to survive up to and including the age of 5. These baby elephants kidnapped from their mothers, are much younger than 5 and will not survive without their moms. If at all they survive the period of captivity and transport, they are then destined to a life of captivity and torture. Is it really worth it to steal the wildlife for extra profit? Do the right thing Zimbabwe, give back the babies to their families. And the world will commend you. Until then expect huge international pressure and most definitely more tourism being blocked. The world is shocked at your actions.
The Kidnappings is such an extremely Violent act on so many levels, tourists can only wonder what dangers they may encounter or witness themselves. Shutting off travel there not only is it for the protection of people but hopefully for the protection of animals being stolen from families massacred for slavery. Bravo to those helping to shut down these horrific transactions.
The Kidnappings is such an extremely Violent act on so many levels, tourists can only wonder what dangers they may encounter or witness themselves. Shutting off travel there not only is it for the protection of people but hopefully for the protection of animals being stolen from families massacred for slavery. Bravo to those helping to shut down these horrific transactions.
Zimbabwe should be deeply ashamed of their inexcusable exploitation of elephants. And it appears that the world is watching, in disgust. Zimbabwe hurts elelphants, and thereby HURTS ITSELF.
Good, this is a start. The insanity of looting the struggling wildlife for a few dollars will leave Africa with nothing.
Good, this is a start. The insanity of looting the struggling wildlife for a few dollars will leave Africa with nothing.
Shame on Zimbabwe for selling stolen baby elephants, killing their mothers and allowing hunting in the National Park! Boycott Zimbabwe for these atrocities.
Shame on Zimbabwe for selling stolen baby elephants, killing their mothers and allowing hunting in the National Park! Boycott Zimbabwe for these atrocities.
This is good, and more actions such as this are needed.
This is good, and more actions such as this are needed.
Can the journalist tell us who the agents are that have sanctioned zimbabwe or where the information comes from? How can travel agents sanction Zimbabwe…. I thought that was the role of governments?
Can the journalist tell us who the agents are that have sanctioned zimbabwe or where the information comes from? How can travel agents sanction Zimbabwe…. I thought that was the role of governments?
Thats why. ZANUPF do not give a shit about anybody else at all.
Honestly propaganda is ridiculous the sanctions are not only about the Elephants being sold it is because ZANU PF – attacked the Mother Elephants with machine guns – and helicopters in front of tourists – the Zimbabwe Parks Authority is selling hunting/culling permits to shoot n the National Park – this is not a safe place for Tourists – as ZANU PF are giving the last kick to FUND THEIR LIFE STYLES they have exploited the people and business now they attacking animals – this export permits are NOT VALID – CITES under investigations Arrests imminent – ZANU PF disgraces ZIMBABWE AGAIN – shameless thieves of Heritage and People shameful indeed
zanu pf haibatsire mhani. chengetai mhuka idzi dziwande vashanyi vauye. Saka 6000 ndoichaiteyi ? Hamupe varindi vemhuka asi munowana mari yekutengera vatongi venyu vane uori motokari hobho
zanu pf haibatsire mhani. chengetai mhuka idzi dziwande vashanyi vauye. Saka 6000 ndoichaiteyi ? Hamupe varindi vemhuka asi munowana mari yekutengera vatongi venyu vane uori motokari hobho
ZANU PF JST DO SHOCKING AND BIZARRE THINGS…….HONESTLY Y ARE THEY SELLING ELEPHANTS…..THE MONEY OBVIOUS IS NOT BENEFITTING ANYBODY BUT ZANU PF CROOKS
ZANU PF JST DO SHOCKING AND BIZARRE THINGS…….HONESTLY Y ARE THEY SELLING ELEPHANTS…..THE MONEY OBVIOUS IS NOT BENEFITTING ANYBODY BUT ZANU PF CROOKS