The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says an assessment is underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the wildfires in Etosha National Park. 

Indileni Daniel, at a media briefing in Windhoek today, stated that the assessment will take several days to complete, as it will involve evaluating the damage to the park’s vegetation, wildlife injuries, and casualties, which will be verified by senior management officials from the ministry. 

In addition, she said the ministry is reviewing its fire management strategy in protected areas to identify gaps in addressing future wildfire incidents in parks. 

She revealed that although the fires within the park were contained, another fire was discovered last night (Wednesday) near the park.

Daniel, says pictures of a burnt elephant circulating on social media cannot be verified as showing an elephant injured during the Etosha National Park wildfires. 

Daniel announced the dispatch of a team of ministry officials and veterinarians to the park to investigate the case. 

She also urged members of the public to share only verified information to avoid misconceptions.