Protesters renew call for Johannesburg Zoo elephants to be moved to sanctuary
Activists gathered outside the Johannesburg Zoo on June 6 to raise awareness about a court case that could determine the future of three resident elephants.
Animal welfare activists gathered outside the Park Avenue entrance of the Johannesburg Zoo on June 6, calling for three resident elephants to be rehabilitated and relocated to a sanctuary.
The peaceful protest, organised by Ban Animal Trading South Africa, aimed to raise awareness about an ongoing court case concerning the future of elephants Mopane, Ramadiba and Lammie.
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Speaking at the demonstration, Ban Animal Trading South Africa co-director Louise Croucamp said the group wanted to keep the public informed while awaiting the outcome of legal proceedings brought by the EMS Foundation.
“There is currently a court case to release these three elephants into rehabilitation and then sanctuary,” said Croucamp. “The judgment has been reserved and we’re waiting for the outcome.”
According to Croucamp, the elephants have spent their lives in captivity and would require rehabilitation before being introduced to a sanctuary environment.
“They have never been free. They need to be rehabilitated and taught how to forage for themselves. All of that will be done under supervision and once that is successful, they will be released into sanctuary.”
She pointed to the example of Charlie, a former zoo elephant from Pretoria Zoo, who was relocated through a similar rehabilitation programme before eventually integrating with other elephants in a sanctuary setting. “That is what we want with all our heart for these three elephants to experience,” she said.
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Croucamp argued that growing public support for the campaign reflects changing attitudes towards animals in captivity.
“The response we’ve had indicates the public are not happy with having these three elephants in an enclosure that does not remotely meet their needs,” she said.
While campaigners continue to await the court’s decision, Croucamp said the protest was intended to maintain public awareness and encourage discussion around animal welfare.
“We are hoping for a favourable judgment, but whatever happens, we want people to understand that these animals are sentient beings and deserve to be treated as such,” she said.
The court’s ruling is expected in the coming months.
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