‘Charlie is healthy,’ says Pretoria Zoo of resident 42-year-old elephant bull

The Pretoria Zoo said it wasn’t appropriate for its 42-year-old elephant bull to be moved to another facility and be examined by outside medical experts.

This was after several organisations petitioned that the elephant bull be moved as soon as possible “before he becomes another dreadful statistic”.

The organisations called for the move after concern for Charlie’s health had been mounting over the years.

It was alleged that the bull was suffering from colic, which could be fatal for elephants.

The organisations also requested that Charlie undergo an assessment by independent elephant experts.

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) spokesperson Angeliné Schwan said they had not deprived Charlie of any independent assessment of his health.

She further refuted that he was in any form of suffering as alleged.

Schwan said medical results did not suggest that there were any health concerns.

“We can indeed state the elephant Charlie is in good condition and is healthy.

“His most recent periodic health assessment was held on March 8. It was done by a team of six external independent wildlife veterinary specialists as well as two of the zoo’s veterinary doctors.”

Schwan said Charlie was normally assessed with an average full medical check-up conducted on a cycle of two to three years.

This, however, could be changed by the resident veterinary team.

“In the last 10 years, Charlie, in particular, has been examined in May 2012, April 2016, June 2018, October 2019 and March 2022. “

She said throughout this time, Charlie had received a comprehensive series of diagnostic tests and examinations.

Schwan said the procedures included dental and ophthalmic examinations, a bronchoalveolar lavage and trunk wash to determine tuberculosis status as well as complete blood analysis and blood chemistry.

Faecal corticosteroid levels were also determined.

Schwan further said that both Pro Elephant Network (PREN) and EMS Foundations were invited to the medical assessment but were not able to send a specialist.

“PREN and EMS are welcome to conduct independent health assessments on Charlie and the process would have to comply with the requirements of the Veterinary and Para -Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No 19 of 1982).”

She said PREN and EMS were also required to prior disclosure of the intended methodology or assessment tools planned for their assessments.

She said the zoo was aware of Charlie’s history of having been rehabilitated from a circus to a zoo set-.

They were also aware of the fact that his natural incarnations had already been tampered with for his entire life, 20 years of such being tendered for at the zoo.

The Pretoria Zoo has gained invaluable experience in animal husbandry since its inception in 1899, she said.

“Its facilities are constantly been monitored and inspected regularly by the NSPCA. Their recommendations continue to contribute towards the improvements on the health and welfare of our animals.”

She said the zoo was willing and ready to work with any organisation that advanced animal welfare.

“We remain committed to upholding welfare and compliance standards consistent with our affiliation to the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA) and Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquariua (PAAZA).

PREN co-ordinator Stefania Falcon called for an end to the alleged trauma and ill health suffered by Charlie.

“Zoos are incapable of being able to offer elephants the space they need to stay healthy.”

Falcon said elephants needed to walk great distances and forage for the correct diet.

“Too many elephants have died prematurely in zoos in South Africa and around the world.”

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