Namibia plans to cull over 700 wild animals, including elephants, zebras, and hippos, to distribute the meat to those facing severe food insecurity due to the country’s worst drought in a century.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism announced that animals will be culled from areas with sustainable populations by professional hunters, aiming to alleviate drought impacts and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The drought, exacerbated by El Niño and climate change, has left around half of Namibia’s population facing acute food insecurity, CNN has reported.

The meat from the cull will be used in a drought relief program.

Written by B.C. Begley