Investigators prove viral elephant photo from Namibia’s Etosha National Park is fake

In September, devastating fires swept through Namibia’s most popular wildlife reserve, Etosha National Park. Satellite imagery analysis by the investigative collective Bellingcat revealed that more than a third of the park was affected, destroying key grazing areas for endangered species such as black rhinos, giraffes, and elephants.

The wildfires, which began on 22 September, burned across the park and nearby areas for five days. In the aftermath, a disturbing photograph of a badly burned female elephant, its skin hanging from its body, circulated widely online, sparking outrage and concern.

However, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism later stated that the image did not appear genuine. Bellingcat, a group of independent investigators and researchers, conducted a detailed verification process using satellite imagery and digital forensics, ultimately confirming that the viral photograph was fabricated.

An elephant wasrecently spotted, and veterinarians are still determining the cause of its death. Apart from this, confirmed animal casualties remain at nine antelopes and one pangolin that was injured during the fire. The ministry is not aware of all the reports of incidents circulating on social media.

The satellite analysis also helped identify the approximate origin of the fire, locating a nearby village and several charcoal kilns in the area where the blaze is believed to have started. Still, Bellingcat emphasised that determining the exact cause of the fire would require a thorough on-the-ground investigation.

Journalist Martin Plaut, who specialises in the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, said the incident highlights how "absolutely vital" it is to critically examine and verify information in today’s era of widespread misinformation.

Trust reliable sources, advises Plaut.

To listen to Plaut in conversation with Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk's Breakfast Show, click below: