Namibian authorities have shot a 50-year alpha bull elephant because it “caused damages to property in the area”.

The elephant, known as Voortrekker, which translates into Afrikaans as “pioneer” was shot and killed by hunters last week in the Omatjete area. The hunters were appointed by the government and paid 120,000 Namibian dollars, approximately $847. The deceased animal was part of the rare Ugab desert-adapted herd. The incident has caused a huge uproar in the country with conservation and tourism groups who believe that the government has taken the step without sufficient…