South Africa Zoo's Last Elephant Freed After 40 Years in Captivity

Run free, Charlie!

The last remaining elephant at South Africa’s National Zoo was released this week after spending 40 years at the complex. IThroughout his life, Charlie knew nothing but captivity, including a stint at the Boswell Wilkie Circus, where he was taught to “do tricks,” according to the BBC. He was two years old when he entered the big top, one of its main attractions.

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He was released after years of negotiations between the South African government and the EMS Foundation. They partnered with veterinary teams from FOUR PAWS International and the Shambala Private Game Reserve to give the elephant a much larger space in a 10,000-hectare reserve in Limpopo, where he will be reunited with many other elephants. The reserve aims to bring in animals and prepare for their reintroduction into the wild.

The EMS Foundation told the BBC it would let Charlie decide his “own pace” when he is ready to return to the wild after decades in captivity. The foundation and the reserve will now focus on ensuring he becomes self-sufficient, which includes rehabilitation and feeding programmes.

Animal rights groups have long fought for Charlie’s release, citing health concerns. EMS has provided data that speaks to the suffering these animals endure while being held in zoos, and that doesn’t even include the occasional intruder who may disturb the animals.

Marina Ivanova, a veterinarian at Four Paws International, said on CGTN Africa that Charlie will be in a special enclosure to “protect him” so he has time to decide whether to join the herd or stay alone.

The news of Charlie’s release came just in time for World Elephant Day, established in 2012. The solemn day was created to “draw attention to the urgent plight of elephants in Asia and Africa.”