Elephant Charley in South Africa

Freedom for Charley, the last captive elephant in South Africa

FOUR PAWS and EMS Foundation collaborate to transition Charley to retirement at Shambala Private Game Reserve

8/20/2024

AUGUST 20, 2024 – South Africa’s last remaining elephant in captivity will live out his life in retirement. FOUR PAWS, Elizabeth Margaret Steyn (EMS) Foundation, and Shambala Private Game Reserve have worked in collaboration for the retirement of Charley, a 42-year-old African elephant, to the 24,000- acre Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo. This transition marks the first phase in a new chapter of Charley’s life.

Charley was born in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Captured as a youngster along with nine other elephants, he was imported by the Boswell Circus in 1984. For 16 years, Charley performed in the circus before being transferred to the Natal Lion Park in May 2000. He arrived at the Zoo on July 30, 2001. Over the past 23 years, Charley has witnessed the deaths of his four elephant companions and has shown signs of distress, including repetitive head-swaying— a behavior commonly found in captivity.

A comprehensive relocation plan was designed by experts from the global animal welfare organization, FOUR PAWS, to ensure an optimal transition for Charley’s retirement. Experts from the organizations worked passionately to ensure that Charley would be ready to enter his crate and be transported to Shambala where he will be reintegrated into a natural environment suitable for a male bull elephant. Located just three hours from the zoo, the reserve in Limpopo Province, has a proven track record of successfully reintegrating captive elephants into the wild. Since 2015, they have rehabilitated and released elephants that were previously used for elephant-back safaris. Today, the reserve is home to a thriving population of elephants.

“This retirement is an important milestone for elephant Charley but also for better animal welfare in South Africa. Together with our partners, we have been working tirelessly to end the loneliness of elephant Charley to see him thrive in his new species appropriate home. At FOUR PAWS, we strive for sustainable long-term solutions, advocate for the most favourable legal framework protecting wild animals and improve the lives of as many animals as possible,”

Josef Pfabigan, FOUR PAWS CEO and President

The transfer of Charley to his new home was led by FOUR PAWS veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil, who says, “Charley underwent crate training at his enclosure before his relocation. This process ensured Charley's safe and stress-free transport. His further rehabilitation commences now that Charley is safely in his new home.”

“We are so pleased to have been able to partner and collaborate with EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Reserve and provide our expertise and support of the retirement of Charley so that he is able to live out his golden years in freedom in a natural species-appropriate environment. We would also like to thank Honorable Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, for their support and assistance during Charley's relocation,” said Fiona Miles Director at FOUR PAWS in South Africa.

The day started out early, bringing Charley successfully into his transport crate due to the expert training. After arriving safely, when the crate was in place, Charley walked out calmly and started to explore his enclosure. Charley had a good first night and is being monitored by the team of experts from FOUR PAWS.

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FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need, and protects them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. FOUR PAWS’ sustainable campaigns and projects focus on companion animals including stray dogs and cats, farm animals and wild animals – such as bears, big cats, and orangutans – kept in inappropriate conditions as well as in disaster and conflict zones. With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA and Vietnam, as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions. www.fourpawsusa.org 

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