Wildlife charity faces potential lawsuit over deaths linked to elephant relocation

• The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) faces potential legal action from locals in southern Africa. Local claim elephants the organization relocated to the nearby Kasungu National Park have caused deaths and destruction. Authorities moved over 260 elephants to the area in 2022, allegedly causing at least 12 deaths, numerous injuries, and widespread property damage.
• In a statement, the IFAW expressed sadness but denied any wrongdoing. It stated that its role was limited to financial and technical support, while the Malawian government had ultimate responsibility.
• Lawyers for the residents have sent legal notices to the conservationist group. They warned of potential litigation in a British court if they do not address these alleged impacts.

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A wildlife conservation organization operating in southern Africa is facing potential legal action from local communities. Locals claim that the relocation of elephants to their region has resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread damage.

A group of ten people living near Kasungu National Park, located on the border between Malawi and Zambia, have retained British law firm Leigh Day to represent them in legal proceedings against the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

How have these elephants negatively impacted locals?

The U.S.-based conservation group helped transfer more than 260 elephants to the area in 2022. It’s a move that nearby residents allege led to at least 12 deaths, injuries, property destruction and ongoing fear among thousands of people.

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According to legal representatives with Leigh Day, a local nonprofit documented over 11,000 individuals were impacted by the elephant relocation. Reports estimate the damages to be in the millions of dollars, with some affected community members struggling to sustain their livelihoods due to crop destruction and other economic losses caused by the animals.

What is the IFAW saying about this situation?

In response to these claims, the IFAW issued a statement expressing sadness over these reports of human-wildlife conflict but denied any wrongdoing. The organization said that its role in the relocation effort was primarily financial and technical. They say the Malawian government has ultimate responsibility for managing wildlife and national parks.

Why did authorities relocate elephants to the area in the first place?

Officials initially considered the relocation a major success, as it aimed to alleviate overpopulation in a smaller park while bolstering elephant numbers in Kasungu, where illegal poaching had significantly reduced the population in previous years. However, lawyers for the affected residents assert that issues arose almost immediately after the elephants’ arrival, with two reported fatalities occurring within days.

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What happens next?

Attorneys at Leigh Day have sent formal legal notices to the IFAW. They urged the organization to address the alleged harm and warned that if they do not reach a resolution, they will pursue litigation in a British court.