An investigation into elephant mortality in South Africa's Kruger National Park uncovered previously undisclosed records of 951 elephant deaths between January 2020 and December 2025, raising serious questions about transparency, accountability and the ethical justification of lethal wildlife management.

Obtained through a formal request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), the SANParks mortality records revealed 535 natural deaths, 179 deaths attributed to illegal causes and, most significantly, 207 elephants whose deaths were classified simply as "Management". Despite repeated requests, SANParks failed to provide the individual circumstances, authorisations or scientific and ethical justifications underlying these 207 deaths.

The investigation also examined the historical legacy of elephant culling in Kruger, the contemporary reliance on lethal management interventions and the responsibilities of conservation authorities to account publicly for decisions involving the deliberate killing of protected wildlife.

Investigation conclusion:

The findings expose a significant gap in public accountability within South Africa's flagship national park. While SANParks has defended the scientific complexity of elephant management, it has not adequately explained why each of the 207 elephants classified as management deaths was killed, whether non-lethal alternatives were considered or whether those decisions met appropriate legal and ethical standards.

The investigation raises a fundamental question about the governance of protected wildlife: scientific authority cannot replace public accountability, and the deliberate destruction of a sentient wild animal demands an exceptional burden of justification.

Ultimately, the investigation reveals that conservation cannot be measured solely through population statistics or ecological management objectives. It must also be judged by how individual wild animals are treated, the transparency of decisions affecting their lives and the willingness of public institutions to justify the exercise of lethal authority.

Published articles:

• Daily Maverick — The 951 dead elephants in the Kruger Park and a question everyone should be asking (8 July 2026)

• Daily Maverick — Kruger elephant deaths: The question SANParks still hasn't answered (5 August 2026)