IFAW: Epic rescue to save endangered elephants in Malawi

More than 60 endangered elephants under threat of certain death will be evacuated to safety in an epic rescue effort that begins in the southern African country of Malawi early next week.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has partnered with the government of Malawi to rescue animals and people from fierce human-elephant conflict in the Phirilongwe area, just south of Lake Malawi.

Jason Bell-Leask, Director of IFAW, Southern Africa, said: “Some elephants have had their trunks amputated by snares set by local villagers, while others are suffering from wounds caused by bullets, arrows and nail-embedded planks as well as poisoning.”

At least 10 people and a number of elephants have been killed as increasing human populations have destroyed habitat for the endangered animals and forced them to eat crops or damage the granaries of the local, mostly subsistence farmers.

IFAW said the Malawi government has taken an ethical, pragmatic approach to solving the dilemma of the endangered elephants by partnering with them to move the animals to Majete Wildlife Reserve.

Mr Bell-Leask added: “In order to save these elephants, we must act now – otherwise they will be killed as ‘problem animals’. This epic translocation of 60-plus elephants solves a major conservation problem and ultimately ensures the safety of both animals and people.

“It sets an example for taking an ethical approach to elephant management practices.”

The IFAW capture and translocation of the endangered elephants kicks off on June 7 (Sun) and will run throughout the rest of June. Initially family groups will be darted and tranquilised from helicopter or on foot. They will then be loaded into transport vehicles for the six-hour journey to Majete Wildlife Reserve.

For more information on the translocation and on making a donation to support the move, please visit www.ifaw.org/helpelephants and for frequent updates on the move, visit IFAW’s Animal Rescue Blog on www.animalrescueblog.org

Ends

For more information, footage, pictures or to arrange interviews please contact Christina Pretorius, IFAW Southern Africa, on tel +27 21 424 2086, mob +27 82 330 2558 or email cpretorius@ifaw.org

Alternatively contact Clare Sterling at IFAW in the UK on 020 7587 6708, mobile 07917 507717, email csterling@ifaw.org

About the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) – As the world’s leading animal welfare organisation, IFAW works from its global headquarters in the United States and 16 country offices to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals by reducing the commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats and assisting animals in distress. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW works both on the ground and in the halls of government to safeguard wild and domestic animals and seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.