Pretoria Zoo’s beloved Charley prepares to leave his home

African elephant Charley will soon relocate from the Pretoria National Zoo to Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo for retirement.

Charley, who has been a resident of the zoo for 23 years, will be moving to a new home in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province.

His relocation process has commenced and, based on the elephant’s response to the transitional programme, it may be extended until November.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) in a statement announced that the adult African elephant bull who has been a cherished resident at the zoo in Pretoria for over two decades is set to retire.

Spokesperson Nontsikelelo Mpulo said the decision was made more than a year ago to retire Charley and among several factors that were considered was his advanced age.

She said the retirement may include allowing Charley to have a partner following the death of his late partner Landa in 2019.

“Charley has never had to fend for himself in the wild as he was a circus elephant before coming to the zoo over 23 years ago.”

Mpulo said potential host facilities responded to a call for expressions of interest about providing a retirement home for Charley.

“Having interrogated the responses, the proposal from the EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve to accommodate Charley in his retirement was approved.”

According to Sanbi, Shambala reserve has committed to a comprehensive relocation plan outlining the capture, transport, and integration of Charley into its facility.

“Shambala will also provide regular health reports to Sanbi for at least a year following his arrival, ensuring continued oversight and care.

Charley will initially be kept by himself at a holding facility while he adjusts to his new living conditions.”

Sanbi hopes he will eventually be integrated into Shambala’s resident elephant herd.

Mpulo said during his time at Pretoria Zoo he has not only entertained and educated thousands of visitors but also contributed to various research initiatives that are invaluable to the conservation and management of elephants.

“Charley also contributed to the preservation of biological materials for future research.

“He deserves to continue enjoying the excellent care in retirement that he received at the zoo for decades.”

Charley will be missed by many, as “he is a charismatic and charming member of the larger zoo community nationally and internationally”.

She said they all knew the time would come when this majestic animal would have to retire and extended their heartfelt wishes for his well-being and happiness in his new home.

“The National Zoological Gardens continue providing research and educational, tourism and recreational experiences for visitors, including thousands of students while maintaining high animal welfare standards.”

Executive director of the EMS Foundation Michele Pickover confirmed that the reserve and the foundation had submitted an extensive response to the government call to pursue options for the elephant’s retirement which was accepted in March.

The mission of the foundation is the advancement and protection of the rights and general welfare of wild animals, children, elderly persons and vulnerable groups in South Africa and Africa.

Pickover said in preparation for Charley’s new life, the foundation and the reserve are partnering with a highly qualified and experienced team of international elephant trainers and South African and international veterinarians.

“This significant undertaking has been supported by elephant experts from the Pro Elephant Network from its inception in 2020.”

Charley will only be moved to his new home once he is fully prepared for relocation.

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