[imagesource:pixabay]

After several groups spent years urging authorities to let him retire and spend his final years with some level of freedom, Charlie, the Pretoria Zoo elephant will finally get to spend his old age in the wilds of Shambala Private Game Reserve.

Charlie’s entire life has been devoted to entertaining humans – he was a circus elephant for his first 20 years and then has spent the last 23 years in Pretoria Zoo.

Enough is finally enough and this week the EMS Foundation and Shambala have revealed that a state-of-the-art release and rehabilitation boma has been designed which “caters for Charlie’s every need and will provide for a successful slow release into a natural environment”.

A team of international and locally captive elephant specialists will be on hand to assist with his rehabilitation programme – a process that is expected to take years.

Taking care of an elephant is an enormous financial commitment, and a detailed report on plans to take care of the old giant was hand-delivered to Minister Barbara Creecy and SANBI on the 22nd of June 2023. The report was backed by international conservation experts.

“Our submission was very comprehensive, which is why we have given them a month to study and absorb the 500+ pages supported by elephant experts from South Africa and around the world.”

The document sets out details of the commitment offered by the EMS Foundation and Shambala and showcases the opportunity offered to Charlie where he can once again live as an elephant should, for the remainder of his life.

The submission was made in respect of a publicly advertised invitation by SANBI.

The EMS Foundation, supported by the members of the Pro Elephant Network (PREN), has been in talks with Minister Creecy and the SANBI Board since 202 to negotiate the release of Charlie.

The EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve have offered to relieve SANBI, the South African government and the hard pressed South African tax payer from any further financial obligation towards Charlie’s care.

Charlie has been offered the very best possible chance at rehabilitation, to live in a natural protected system and the opportunity of meeting, living and integrating with other elephants, some of whom have been successfully rewilded from a captive situation, if he so chooses.

Captive-held elephants usually don’t live as long as wild elephants (who can live up to 70 years), and with Charlie approaching his 43rd birthday, we hope that government approves his retirement.

Charlie has been pointed at and photographed enough now, so give the old boy his golden watch and let him chill in the wild for his last years. And thank you to the humans who fought for him!

[source:sapeople]