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.

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.