South Africa releases the last zoo elephant back into the wild
On August 21, South Africa released the last elephant in the zoo named Charlie back into the wild after 40 years in captivity, according to a Vietnam News Agency reporter in Pretoria. Charlie was captured in 1984 in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park when he was two years old.
The EMS Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife rights, announced that after a “thrilling four-hour journey to freedom”, Charlie arrived at his new home at Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo province. From now on this elephant will enter a new life with many interesting things waiting.
This new home is a 10,000 hectare sanctuary with a thriving elephant population, renowned for its success in reintegrating wild animals back into their natural habitat. During his stay here, Charlie will be closely monitored by veterinary and behavioral experts.
Charlie had previously been sent to the Boswell Wilkie Circus in South Africa, where he was trained to perform magic tricks. In the early 2000s, it was transferred to the country’s only national zoo. In recent years, animal rights groups have advocated for the release of elephants like Charlie due to concerns about their health. Leaving them back to nature is the best solution, ensuring their survival.
According to South Africa’s national parks agency, SANparks, the country has more than 25,000 wild elephants. African elephants face a significant threat from poachers, with thousands killed each year for their ivory. They have also lost their habitat due to the expansion of human settlements.
