Pretoria - The SA National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) has announced plans to pursue retirement options for beloved elephant Charley, who resides at the Pretoria National Zoological Gardens.
The institute reported that it was thinking of moving him to a suitable wildlife sanctuary or a similar setting.
The organisation said the decision followed a number of considerations, including the elephant’s advanced age. It also wanted to give Charley the chance to have a mate after the death of his partner, Landa, in 2019.
Landa, 36, had been with the Pretoria Zoo since 1986, and was believed to have died as a result of acute colic.
Charley, 42, has been at the National Zoological Gardens for more than 22 years after being exposed to a circus environment for about 20 years.
Earlier this year, independent stakeholders repeated concerns about the elephant’s state of health.
In April, The EMS Foundation, alongside the Pro Elephant Network, started a petition calling for an assessment of Charley's health.
The organisation alleged that for more than 16 months it had pleaded for internationally renowned zoo and captive elephant experts to assess Charley’s condition.
It went as far as offering to relocate, rehabilitate and rewild Charley.
The EMS Foundation applauded and commended Sanbi’s decision.
In addition to the retirement plan, Sanbi assured stakeholders that it had also conducted a comprehensive medical assessment of Charley.
Sanbi Board chairperson Professor Edward Nesamvuni took the opportunity to thank NZG staff, the public and civil society stakeholders and partners for their support in ensuring the best possible life for Charlie at the Pretoria Zoo.
He said the date for Charlie’s retirement would be announced once all processes were finalised.
Yesterday, the SPCA said it would work with Sanbi to plan Charley’s retirement.
Pretoria News