Charley is 42 years old and has lived most of his life as a caged animal. This would be the first time in his life that he would feel freedom.
South Africa (29 July 2022) – The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has just announced that the organisation is pursuing options for the retirement of Charley the Elephant from the Pretoria National Zoological Garden into a suitable wildlife sanctuary or similar setting.
Charley is 42 years old and has lived most of his life as a caged animal. This would be the first time in his life that he would feel freedom.
In the past two years, there have been growing calls to relocate the elephant, with many organisations raising their concerns publicly. A petition garnered over 41,000 signatures, and a collective open letter was sent to Environment Minister Barbara Creecy in 2021.
“Eminent elephant specialists, including vets, lawyers, conservationists, traditional leaders, animal welfare specialists, scientists and heads of environmental organisations in SA, Pakistan, India, the United States, Botswana, Kenya, Canada and Zimbabwe have appealed for his release into the care and community of a sanctuary. The EMS Foundation has offered to fund his move to a sanctuary and his upkeep.”
SANBI announced today that the decision to allow Charley to retire follows “a number of considerations, among others, the elephant’s advanced age.”
“The retirement may include giving Charley the opportunity to have a partner following the death of his late partner Landa, in 2019. Charley the elephant (aged 42) has been at the National Zoological Gardens for over 22 years after being exposed to a circus environment for about 20 years.”
The recent comprehensive medical assessment done on Charley covered haematological and blood chemistry analyses, faecal glucocorticoid metabolites analysis, bronchoalveolar lavage and a trunk wash, radiology of distal extremities, a dental and eye examination, as well as screening for tuberculosis (TB), shows that the elephant is in good health.
SANBI is working on a suitable retirement sanctuary and is asking for cooperation and support from stakeholders and partners to ensure the continued welfare of the elephant.
“The requisite pre-release protocols including but not limited to psychological and behavioural assessment are being facilitated.”
The date for his retirement will be announced once all processes are finalised, but African Elephants have a lifespan of up to 70 years, which means he has got some good time to enjoy his freedom.