Wildlife director at Humane Society International (HSI) Audrey Delsink said she hopes the letter signed by 13 globally renowned elephant specialists will afford them the opportunity to meet with Joburg Zoo management about Lammie’s future.
Delsink said the letter is as a result of campaigns to have Lammie relocated to a re-wilding facility for a number of months, garnering much global, public, conservation and welfare group interaction and support.
Delsink added, “It is our hope that the Joburg Zoo, City Parks, Mayor Mashaba and zoo managers will appropriately consider and honour the cumulative scientifically supported feedback of the globally renowned elephant specialists.
“Since 2000, a total of 37 zoos in Europe alone have closed their elephant exhibits, including London’s Regent’s Park, because they could not provide ‘appropriate facilities for such large, far-roaming, intelligent animals’.
“With the elephant experts adding their voice and the global shift to not keep elephants in captivity, releasing Lammie to an appropriate sanctuary not only addresses Lammie’s welfare in the best possible way but highlights an ethical approach to the management of elephants.”
She said that together with their partners, HSI has made numerous requests to meet relevant parties at the zoo since October, to no avail.
“With the specialists’ letter of support and a renewed meeting request, we trust that we will be afforded the opportunity to engage with the zoo and relevant parties so that a transparent sharing of knowledge and consideration for all options within Lammie’s best interests can be discussed and finalised,” Delsink said.
“The ball is now in the zoo’s court. If the meeting does not happen, we will be forced to revise our strategy.”
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