Flash back: Ban Animal Trading conducts silent protest outside Lammie’s enclosure at the Joburg Zoo
SAXONWOLD – Community members call for Lammie to be released from captivity.
Sixteen community members from Ban Animal Trading conducted a silent protest outside Lammie the elephant’s enclosure at the Joburg Zoo on 28 October calling for her to be released from captivity.
Since Lammie’s companion Kinkel passed away two months ago, animal rights organisations have been campaigning for the release of Lammie from the Zoo.
Director of Ban Animal Trading Smaragda Louw explained that the purpose of the protest was to draw attention to Lammie’s loneliness in captivity.
“It is well known that elephants do not cope well on their own, they need the rest of the herd to interact with,” said Louw.
“The only reason they are keeping her here is so that people can see an elephant in real life. That is no excuse for cruelty.”
Ernestine Strini who joined the protest said, “Seeing an elephant being kept in this way brings across the wrong message to kids that this is how animals should be kept. This is not how the next generation should grow up.”
Linda Kruger said, “It is our God-given right to look after God’s creatures and as humans, we have freedom of choice. There is no education in seeing an elephant roam around with no activities.”
Louw said that the protest started just after 4pm and carried on until 8pm – two and a half hours after closing time – when she said Metro police asked them to leave.
“All the time we were there, no one from the zoo came to check on Lammie. This is totally unacceptable. We will be stepping up our protest on social media daily until we are heard.”
Johannesburg Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley said that the protest was illegal. “All protest action is legislated in the City of Joburg and due process must be followed.
“Sadly, the protesters are unaware of the implications of relocating Lammie which could result in her death as experienced in another zoo in South Africa. This was due to pressure from groups who are not experts in animal welfare, but believe they have the elephant’s best interest at heart.”
Moodley added that Lammie will remain at the zoo. She invites the public to join the Thursday enrichment programmes to view the meaningful engagement Lammie receives from the team that feeds, spoils and loves her.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/238840/elephant-experts-call-release-lammie-joburg-zoo/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/238892/picket-release-lammie-elephant-joburg-zoo-set-take-place-today/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/240330/joburg-zoo-says-no-intention-moving-lammie-zoo/
