Rock Up & Run for the World’s Loneliest Orangutan, Opal

Photo Credit: Supplied

The run happening on Sunday will raise necessary funds that may bring Opal a step closer towards a life she deserves.

Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal (01 October 2025) – Opal has spent 45 years behind bars. Born at a solitary confinement zoo near Pietermaritzburg, she has never climbed a tree or had the company of another of her kind.

She’s been called the world’s loneliest orangutan.

We’ve shared her story before, and it broke our hearts. But there was a chance then to be a part of the change. Now, there’s another opportunity to push the needle even further.

This Sunday, 5 October, Ballito’s monthly Rock Up & Run will turn orange for Opal. It’s a community run/walk with three different routes to choose from – 4km, 5.6km, and 7km. This time, the event will rally community to raise awareness and funds so that an independent vet can finally assess Opal’s health.

That one step matters, because if she’s cleared, it could open the door for her to be relocated to a sanctuary.

“We’re asking for a vet to come and assess her so that, if she can be relocated, we can work towards a plan to get her professionally moved. If the vet finds it is not in her best interests at this stage of her life then we will accept that,” says Smaragda Louw from Ban Animal Trading, the organisation behind the campaign to get Opal checked out.

The run/walk on Sunday is a step towards that goal.

It’s free to join and after the run, supporters can take part in a raffle to win a two-night stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge or Thonga Beach Lodge, or make a donation towards Opal’s cause. There’ll be time to gather, grab a drink, connect, and learn more about how we can all Get Vocal for Opal.

We know very well that change starts in communities who get together to do good things.

This is one of those vitally important good things.

“We urge every compassionate heart in our community to rally with us now – support our drive to secure an independent veterinary examination that could pave the way for her release and relocation to a sanctuary where she can finally thrive in dignity and freedom. Together, let’s give Opal the justice she deserves,” says Nicky Arthur, spokesperson for the North Coast Community Get Vocal for Opal campaign.

Opal’s time on Earth has been steeped in loneliness in captivity, a life no orangutan deserves. Reports say she once had a baby, but it didn’t survive or was sent away. Sanctuaries have offered to take her, yet she remains where she was born, waiting.

But there’s reason to hope, and it’s been done before.

Just last year, Duma the elephant, once known as Charlie, the ‘saddest elephant in the world’ was finally moved to freedom after four decades in captivity. Now he roams free in Limpopo, finally enjoying the wild life he was denied. That’s what’s possible when people rally.

This weekend, the people of Ballito are going to show up (dressed in orange) for Opal. For her chance at dignity and freedom.

She can’t ask for it herself, but we can.

Event: Rock Up & Run turns Orange for Opal
Date: Sunday, 5 October 2025
Time: 7 AM
Location: Hops Restaurant & Bar Ballito