Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Zimbabwe Pushing To Sell Its $600 Million Ivory Stock

Columbus Mavhunga

   VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - Zimbabwe hosted the first United Nations and
   Africa Union summit on wildlife. The country is seeking permission to
   sell its $600 million stock of elephant ivory and rhino horns to fund
   conservation programs. Those living near game parks have other issues
   they want addressed.

   In some parts of Africa, elephant populations are in decline, mainly
   because poachers shoot the animals for their valuable ivory tusks.

   Zimbabwe has no such problem. In fact, the country's parks authority
   says the elephant population is up to 84,000.

   That may warm the hearts of wildlife conservationists, but people who
   live near Zimbabwe's game parks have a different perspective.

   Gertrude Dube lives in Mansuma village, on the edge of Hwange National
   Park, Zimbabwe's biggest wildlife reserve.

   Her main problem is with hyenas, who have eaten all seven of the goats
   she used to own.

   But elephants make life difficult too, she says.

   "We love and appreciate wild animals. But some like lions and elephants
   are dangerous. When people hear of elephants in the area, even school
   children fear going to school, as they kill," Dube said.

   This week, Zimbabwe is hosting delegates to the UN/AU Wildlife Summit
   in Victoria Falls, about two hours drive from Hwange National Park.
   Conflict between humans and wildlife is one of the subjects on the
   agenda.

   WATCH: Ivory in Zimbabwe

.