Zambian gov't says it has no powers to overrule hippo culling program

LUSAKA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said on Friday it has no powers to overrule a hippo culling exercise on a river in the eastern part of the country due to contractual obligations.

The government has come under attack for reviving plans to cull up to 2,000 hippos on the Luangwa River despite opposition from animal rights campaigners.

The government said the program, which was suspended in 2016 after protests, will start at the start of the hunting season in May this year.

Minister of Tourism and Arts Howard Sikwela said the government has no powers at the moment to overrule that decision due to contractual obligations already undertaken.