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Charlie, Pretoria's last zoo elephant, released back into nature after 43 years of captivity

The campaign to free Pretoria Zoo’s elephants lasted for years and included accusations and protests. But finally, the zoo’s last elephant, Charlie, is back in the wilds.
Charlie, Pretoria's last zoo elephant, released back into nature after 43 years of captivity Charlie the elephant has been relocated from Pretoria Zoo to Shambala Private Game Reserve. (Photo: Ban Animal Trading)
Don Pinnock
By Don Pinnock
20 Aug 2024
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Note: This story was updated to correct an earlier statement that Charlie was the last elephant held in a South African Zoo. This was incorrect as the Joburg Zoo still holds elephants.

After a nailbiting four-hour trip from the Pretoria Zoo, Charlie the zoo elephant has arrived at the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo, his new home.

The EMS Foundation, which supported his release, has been informed that the zoo’s elephant exhibit will now be permanently closed.

This historic event is the result of years of negotiation between the South African government, the EMS Foundation and the Pro Elephant Network.

In the zoo, Charlie watched three of his friends die prematurely. He also lost his daughter when she was less than a month old.

He was captured in Hwange, Zimbabwe, 43 years ago and was trained in the Boswell Wilkie Circus. When it closed down he was transferred to the Natal Lion Park and then, in 2001, to the Pretoria Zoo.

Charlie under a full moon. (Photo: EMS Foundation)
Charlie at his Shambala holding facility (Photo: EMS Foundation)
Offloading at Shambala Private Reserve. (Photo: EMS Foundation)
Offloading at Shambala Private Reserve. (Photo: EMS Foundation)
Offloading at Shambala Private Reserve. (Photo: EMS Foundation)
Offloading at Shambala Private Reserve. (Photo: EMS Foundation)

In about 2020, activists began campaigning for his release to a sanctuary. According to Smaragda Louw, the director of Ban Animal Trading (BAT), keeping Charlie in solitary confinement in a barren enclosure with almost no shade and dirty water and with no enrichment is “nothing more than animal abuse for the sake of human entertainment”.

He will initially be kept at a holding facility while he adjusts to his new environment. He has no experience of foraging in the wild.

During this time he will be closely monitored by behavioural experts to see that he settles down to become the elephant he was always meant to be and that he meets up with and integrates into the existing elephant herd.

Hopefully, his release into a new habitat and life will go some way to healing the sadness of his isolation. DM

Comments

Marlize Meyer Aug 21, 2024, 12:23 PM

As a child I remember passing the tiny elephant house at Joburg Zoo that could be seen from Jan Smuts Ave. At the time it seemed normal. How grateful I am that now, almost 50 years later, things are changing a little. Thanks Don this is a happy read! Hopefully Charlie's good memories will return.

Bonzo Gibbon Aug 21, 2024, 12:28 PM

An old bull will not "integrate into the herd". They are solitary. They do have occasional meet ups with other males, and recent research suggests they do pass on social and ecological knowledge to younger males. Sadly Charlie does not have this knowledge, but I hope he finds a friend.

T'Plana Hath Aug 21, 2024, 03:15 PM

You are right, of course, but sometimes truth has no place in a good story. With respect, tread softly; like an elephant; for you tread on our dreams.

T'Plana Hath Aug 21, 2024, 03:15 PM

You are right, of course, but sometimes truth has no place in a good story. With respect, tread softly; like an elephant; for you tread on our dreams.

Diana Clarke Aug 21, 2024, 03:21 PM

Made me cry. Go travel o'mighty one. Human species, disgusting bunch.

Ritey roo roo Aug 21, 2024, 10:29 PM

This is incredibly uplifting yet sad at the same time. Such awful suffering, and how will it all end for this poor old man. My heart bleeds for him and hopes that he can have some happiness and is able adapt to his new surroundings.

Babyninja567 Aug 22, 2024, 12:35 PM

My heart is so happy that Charlie has been taken away from Pretoria zoo. My family and I were there a few years ago and were utterly shocked with his surroundings he could not get into his enclosure for shade. He was throwing hot sand on his body to try and cool off. Pretoria Zoo should be charged!

retired.sir Aug 22, 2024, 01:25 PM

Dit is skandalig dat 'n olifant vir soveel jaar in eensame afsondering aangehou word. Die mense wat hiervoor aandadig is behoort aangekla te word vir erge dieremishandeling. Geniet jou laaste jare Charlie en mag jy nog lank leef!

Sug Aug 22, 2024, 01:51 PM

The single worst thing to happen to our planet is the birth of mankind!

bigbad jon Aug 22, 2024, 02:19 PM

Wait a bit, why wasn't he able to stay in the Natal lion park? Too small?

Lee Richardson Aug 23, 2024, 12:39 PM

What happened to Lammie? Last story I can see she was alive in 2023?

Lee Richardson Aug 23, 2024, 12:44 PM

There are 3 elephants still in captivity at Joburg Zoo! Let's get them freed as well "14/6/2019 Joburg Zoo has acquired two mates for the solitary elephant, Lammie (40 years old). Ramadiba (22) a mature male, and Mopani (19) a female."