Two male elephants from a well-known wildlife sanctuary in Hazyview die while under sedation
The elephants, which were being transported to Kleinmond Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Cape, died en route.
Two elephants, Kasper and Kitso, died while under sedation during relocation efforts from the Lowveld to Kleinmond Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) in the Western Cape on April 23.
According to the owner and custodian of the elephants, Craig Saunders, they had been in the care of Elephant Sanctuary, Hazyview for the past 20 years.
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Saunders had bought a portion of Lamloch Farm just outside Kleinmond eight years ago. It was his vision to relocate two adult bull elephants from Hazyview to Kleinmond, as their existing habitat in Hazyview had fallen under increasing social and environmental pressure. He invested years into careful planning with a key focus on clearing alien species and restoring the property to its original pristine condition, hence the creation of KWS.
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“We are absolutely devastated to announce the loss of our two beloved elephant bulls. It was always Kleinmond Wildlife Sanctuary’s objective to ensure the safety and comfort of these two African elephants for the rest of their days. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the sanctuary’s custodianship and Kasper and Kitso’s lives,” said Saunders.
*Lowvelder previously reported he was veterinarian, the story has been updated
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