By Mirriam Nasilele

In Zambia and many other parts of the world, the killing of animals driven by spiritual and cultural beliefs remains a deeply complex and sensitive issue. Certain animals are perceived as omens, messengers from the spirit world, or carriers of supernatural powers. As a result, they are often persecuted, sacrificed, or killed in the name of tradition. While these beliefs are rooted in history and identity, they raise serious ethical, ecological, and conservation concerns that can no longer be ignored.

Cultural beliefs have long shaped how humans interact with nature and wildlife. In some traditions, animals are revered as sacred beings, symbols of strength, wisdom, or protection. In others, however, myths and superstitions are used to justify cruelty, exploitation, and violent practices. This duality highlights the urgent need to examine where culture supports coexistence, and where it causes harm.

The Intersection of Culture and Animal Welfare

Cultural practices are central to community identity and are often passed down through generations. They mark rites of passage, affirm spiritual values, and preserve ancestral knowledge. However, when these practices involve the suffering or brutal killing of animals, they present serious moral dilemmas.

In some communities, specific animal parts are believed to possess healing or spiritual powers. This belief has contributed to the killing wildlife species including pangolins, lions, vultures for use in traditional medicine or rituals. Ceremonial animal sacrifices, sometimes carried out in inhumane ways, continue despite growing global advocacy for animal welfare and humane treatment.

Such practices not only cause immense suffering to individual animals but also normalise violence toward wildlife, making it harder to promote conservation and empathy within communities.

Cultural Beliefs as a Driver of Illegal Wildlife Trade

Cultural demand for animal products plays a significant role in fuelling the illegal wildlife trade, a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Elephant tusks are carved into ivory ornaments, rhino horns are ground into powders for unproven medicinal use, and exotic birds are captured and caged as symbols of status and wealth.

Beyond exploitation, some animals are targeted because they are believed to represent evil or misfortune. Hyenas, owls, and other species are often killed due to associations with witchcraft or bad luck. This stigma leads to population decline and disrupts ecosystems, as many of these animals play essential roles such as scavenging, pest control, and maintaining ecological balance.

Balancing Tradition and Conservation

Challenging harmful cultural beliefs does not mean rejecting culture itself. Instead, it calls for reflection, dialogue, and adaptation. Culture is not static; it evolves. Education and awareness initiatives can help communities understand the ecological importance of wildlife while encouraging compassion and responsible stewardship.

In Zambia, campaigns such as This Is Not A Game have worked to change attitudes toward bushmeat consumption, which is often rooted in cultural norms. As well, the Protect the Pangolin campaign has engaged traditional leaders, young people, and local communities. These initiatives through community plays, radio programmes, and public talks. Traditional leaders, healers and communities will use storytelling and cultural wisdom to challenge harmful myths, share accurate information, and inspire support for species conservation that respect both cultural values and conservation goals.

A Call to Action

Addressing animal brutality linked to cultural beliefs requires sensitivity, respect, and cooperation. Sustainable change can only happen when communities are part of the solution. Government, cultural leaders, communities, social corporate and conservation organisations, must work together to: Raise awareness and educate communities about the ethical and ecological impacts of harmful practices. Promote and support humane and sustainable substitutes for animal-based rituals and medicines. Engage Traditional Leaders: Empower cultural custodians to lead change from within their communities. Strengthen Legal Protections: Enforce laws against animal cruelty and illegal wildlife trade.

Conclusion

Cultural beliefs are powerful forces that shape human behaviour. When guided by compassion and knowledge, they can become a foundation for conservation rather than destruction. By confronting the brutality of animal killings rooted in harmful traditions, we open the door to coexistence, where culture and compassion work together to protect both human heritage and the natural world.

A future where humans and animals thrive side by side is not only possible, it is necessary.