Zimbabwe Cancels "Noah’s Ark" Export

In May, it was reported that Zimbabwe had captured and was planning to sell animals from Hwange National Park, including zebras, giraffes, hyenas, monkeys, birds, and two juvenile elephants to a North Korean zoo for $23,000. The plans sparked vigorous protests around the globe from conservationists and animal protection groups, including AWI. Scientists also concluded that the animals likely would not survive the transition and adjustment to conditions in North Korea. Fortunately, Zimbabwe decided not to proceed with the export and, in June, announced that the shipment was cancelled. The giraffes and zebras were sent to a game farm, and the elephants will be released following a couple years of rehabilitation. Most of the remaining animals have already been returned to the wild with an opportunity to rejoin their families and live out their lives in freedom.