Animal rights activists have criticised Botswana for licensing the killing of 23 elephants to supply meat for celebrations marking 60 years of independence from Britain. Botswana, home to the world's largest elephant population at more than 130,000, defends regulated hunting as a way to ease conflict with rural communities and raise funds, while conservation groups warn the move could normalise killing and encourage poaching. The row comes amid public concern over a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and complaints about chaotic meat distribution, and it has reignited a long-running debate over how the country manages its elephants.