Outcry over World Elephant Day ‘circus’ at Joburg Zoo
SAXONWOLD – Various communities have expressed their anger at Joburg Zoo's World Elephant Day celebrations.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), Ban Animal Trading (Bat) and a number of community members have expressed their disgust at the manner in which the Johannesburg Zoo celebrated World Elephant Day on 12 August.
The NSPCA released a statement saying they were appalled at the way in which the elephants at the zoo were exploited on the day.
Public relations officer at the NSPCA Meg Wilson said, “Today the elephants were forced to perform circus tricks and were visibly stressed. “These animals have already been put through hell in training them. Elephants are beaten into submission, chained and tortured to be able to perform these tricks.
“Now they are living in a completely inadequate captive environment where they are being forced to perform these tricks. This involves ongoing elements of control and discipline. In the name of entertainment, to ensure continued support of a zoo that clearly does not care about their animals.
“The NSPCA remains of the opinion that wild animals belong in the wild.”
Director of Bat Smaragda Louw described the event as ‘absolutely shocking’. “Mopani [the elephant] was coerced into doing some tricks. “Knowing how these animals are taught to perform tricks and keeping them performing those tricks is cruel. They must be so petrified. It’s no wonder the elephants were scared. With Joburg Zoo being all for conservation and education, this event was just a spectacle.
“It [the event] wasn’t for Lammie [the elephant]. World Elephant Day is not a day to laugh at elephants, but rather a day to respect elephants. I never thought the zoo would stoop this low.”
Spokesperson of the Joburg Zoo Jenny Moodley said it was unfortunate that the NSPCA used the meaningful day to discredit the zoo.
“The two new elephants that came from a sanctuary were trained to respond to groups of people at the sanctuary that they were based at. “Yesterday was no different with Mopani enjoying the various groups of people that visited by showing off her training,” added Moodley.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette was present when the elephants performed these tricks. The volunteers of the zoo instructed the elephants to perform these tricks, rewarding them with positive reinforcement in the form of food.
Moodley added that Lammie, who was born at the zoo, was never trained to respond in that manner as the zoo subscribed to a strict code of ethics.
She said the organising team of the day anticipated concern regarding the noise emanating from the children and ensured that Lammie’s exposure to them was limited to 30 minutes, after which the children dispersed to engage with other exhibits and talks.
“At all times, all three elephants were closely monitored by their curator, the animal attendants and the behavioural enrichment team,” said Moodley, adding that animal welfare was of paramount importance.
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