Following the untimely death of male elephant Kinkel at the Joburg Zoo on 4 September, elephant experts are calling for the release of his companion Lammie who was born and raised at the zoo.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), Africa’s Humane Society SA, Ban Animal Trading and other elephant experts are campaigning to have Lammie released into an animal sanctuary.

National inspector for the NSPCA Martie Rossouw said, “We are perplexed that there are still elephants being kept in zoos, surely, as a country that has beautiful national parks where elephants and other wild animals get to live their lives out naturally, that we would have moved away from keeping elephants in captivity. We can only hope that there will be victory for all elephants in zoos as a result of this tragedy; that morality will prevail and that elephants will be phased out of zoos and captive facilities in South Africa.”

Spokesperson of City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley said, “The Joburg Zoo is in the process of finalising its assessment plan with regards to the wellbeing of Lammie. This will be underpinned by a detailed report that aims to identify her current demeanour and coping abilities on the loss of Kinkel.”

Lammie was born @joburgzoo on 30 August 1979 her 40th birthday is next year @RK_Gazette she is enjoying breakfast pic.twitter.com/Dr8CLshr83

— Ashtyn Mackenzie (@AshtynMackenzie) June 19, 2018

Ban Animal Trading also stated on their Facebook page that Lammie should be freed from captivity.

Following Kinkel’s death, councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba MMC for community development at the City of Joburg said, “An animal behaviourist will monitor and work closely with Lammie to assist her transition during this difficult time as elephants have good memories. The Zoo will be communicating its plans in the near future with regards to its acquisition management plan.”

IOL stated that the Joburg Zoo had confirmed its plan to acquire another cow to keep Lammie company, but elephant experts and animal welfare have objected saying that she should be allowed to roam free by being released into a wild reserve.

“The Joburg Zoo is there following the required protocol to ensure that the health and welfare of Lammie is given the highest priority and appeals to our public to afford both Lammie and the conservation team the necessary latitude to conduct the assessment and to put in place the best plan for the future of Lammie,” added Moodley.

This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as information is received.