The day started out early on August 19 for the team bringing Charley, the Pretoria Zoo elephant, successfully into his transport crate for relocation to a reserve in Limpopo.
This was due to the expert training he has been put through by elephant experts the past few weeks.
Charley arrived during the day at his new temporary abode, a boma at the 10 000-hectare Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo.
Leaving the zoo was challenging due to the passionate display of protesters who wanted Charley to stay, said the vet from Four Paws who oversaw the relocation, Dr Amir Khalil.
“We understand the emotional response from the caretakers, and we are sure that once they can see him in a natural habitat with the proper space appropriate for an elephant they may feel differently for Charley and his future,” said Khalil.
He pointed out once on the open road, the journey to the reserve went smoothly and they arrived safely.
“When the crate was in place, Charley walked out calmly and started to explore his boma. Charley had a good first night and is being monitored by the team of experts,” said Khalil.
The global animal welfare organisation Four Paws, Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve have worked from early August in collaboration for the retirement of Charley, the 42-year-old African elephant, to the reserve.
This transition marks the first phase in a new chapter of Charley’s life.
He will be sheltered in a boma at the reserve before being given the freedom of 25ha.
“We are so pleased to have been able to partner and collaborate with EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Reserve and provide our expertise and support of the retirement of Charley so that he is able to live out his golden years in freedom in a natural species-appropriate environment. We would also like to thank Honourable Narend Singh, deputy minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, for their support and assistance during Charley’s relocation,” said Fiona Miles, Director at Four Paws in South Africa.
Charley was born in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
Captured as a youngster along with nine other elephants, he was imported by the Boswell Circus in 1984.
For 16 years, Charley performed in the circus before being transferred to the Natal Lion Park in May 2000. He arrived at the Zoo on July 30, 2001.
Over the past 23 years, Charley has witnessed the deaths of his four elephant companions and has shown signs of distress, including repetitive head-swaying, a behaviour commonly found in captivity.
A comprehensive relocation plan was designed by experts to ensure an optimal transition for Charley’s retirement.
These experts from the organisations worked passionately the past few weeks to ensure Charley would be ready to enter his crate and be transported to Shambala, where he will be reintegrated into a natural environment suitable for a male bull elephant.
Located three hours from the zoo, the reserve in Limpopo Province has a proven track record of successfully reintegrating captive elephants into the wild.
Since 2015, it has rehabilitated and released elephants previously used for elephant-back safaris.
Today, the reserve is home to a thriving population of elephants.
“This retirement is an important milestone for Charley but also for better animal welfare in South Africa. Together with our partners, we have been working tirelessly to end the loneliness of elephant Charley to see him thrive in his new species-appropriate home. We strive for sustainable long-term solutions, advocate for the most favourable legal framework protecting wild animals and improve the lives of as many animals as possible,” said Four Paws chief executive officer and president Josef Pfabigan.
CATCH UP WITH CHARLEY:
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Charley shapes for big move from Capital City zoo to wilder pastures
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Pretoria Zoo’s beloved Charley prepares to leave his home
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UPDATE: Home still sought for retiring 43-year-old Pretoria elephant
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