Auleria Wakudumo
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has confirmed that only one elephant bull was responsible for the recent sightings reported across several northern villages before it was put down on 11 October 2025 near Onawa village in the Omusati region.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela the same elephant was observed moving through various locations over several days, prompting confusion among residents who believed multiple elephants had strayed into the area.
The elephant was first spotted in the Otjivarunda area following wildfires that spread from Etosha National Park into the north-central regions, forcing some wildlife to wander in search of safety and food.
Hamunyela said the ministry closely monitored the animal’s movements and made several attempts to guide it back to the park.
“Our officials tracked the elephant for days and tried to redirect it to safer ground. Unfortunately, it kept moving toward populated areas, putting communities at risk,” she said.
Hamunyela emphasised that the elephant’s journey- from Otjivarunda to Onkani, then onward to Onaanka, Onaanda, and finally Onawa, involved the same animal. “There was only one elephant moving through these areas. We want to clarify that the public did not encounter different elephants, but rather one bull that had travelled extensively,” she added.
By Friday, the elephant had crossed major roads, including the Oshakati–Okahao and Oshakati–Outapi routes, and damaged some infrastructure along the way.
Its growing proximity to homesteads and schools raised serious safety concerns among villagers. Residents reported sleepless nights and fear for their children and livestock.
With the elephant showing no signs of turning back and panic spreading through local communities, MEFT said the decision to put it down was made as a last resort.
“This was not an easy decision. Our priority is always to protect both wildlife and people. But in this case, the risk of harm to the public was too high,”Hamunyela stressed.
She further explained that wildfires and habitat loss often force animals like elephants to move beyond their usual range, leading to such encounters with human settlements.
MEFT continues to monitor wildlife movements in affected areas and has urged communities to report sightings immediately rather than approaching the animals.
The ministry has assured the public that there are currently no other elephants roaming within the populated areas of Omusati or surrounding regions. The situation has since been declared under control.