The future of Johannesburg Zoo’s three resident elephants took centre stage on June 6, as animal welfare organisation Ban Animal Trading South Africa staged a peaceful protest calling for their rehabilitation and eventual relocation to a sanctuary.

The demonstration comes as the court considers an application brought by the EMS Foundation relating to the future of elephants, Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane.

Speaking at the protest, Ban Animal Trading South Africa co-director Louise Croucamp said the aim of the demonstration was to keep the public informed, and to maintain awareness while awaiting the court’s decision.

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“There is currently a court case to release these three elephants into rehabilitation and then sanctuary. In the interim, we want to keep the pressure up and keep the public involved because the response we’ve had indicates that many members of the public are unhappy with the elephants’ current enclosure.”

Croucamp said the organisation believes the elephants, having never lived freely in the wild, would first require rehabilitation under supervision before being introduced into a sanctuary environment where they could develop natural behaviours, such as foraging.

She also referred to Charlie, the former Pretoria Zoo elephant, saying his rehabilitation and subsequent move to a sanctuary had given campaigners hope that similar outcomes could be achieved for Johannesburg Zoo’s elephants.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), however, maintains that the elephants continue to receive appropriate care, and has emphasised that the matter is now before the courts.

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In a statement, spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that Lammie, Ramadiba, and Mopane are well taken care of by the zoo’s dedicated elephant team and staff, who remain committed to acting in their best interests.

Moodley added that the elephants recently underwent comprehensive medical assessments by specialist veterinarians from the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital and all received a clean bill of health.

The zoo said it would limit further public comment while legal proceedings are underway, citing respect for the judicial process and the constitutional principles underpinning South Africa’s democracy.

JCPZ also noted the recent media attention surrounding Charlie, but cautioned that attempts to rewild elephants do not always result in successful outcomes. It reiterated that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing the care of its elephants, and remains committed to their ongoing welfare.

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The zoo further thanked members of the public for their continued support, including support for its natural browse programme, and reaffirmed its commitment to acting in the best interests of Lammie, Ramadiba, and Mopane.

For Ban Animal Trading South Africa, however, the campaign extends beyond the current court case.

Croucamp argued that elephants are sentient beings whose physical, emotional, and social needs cannot be fully met in captivity, expressing hope that the protest would encourage greater public awareness and support for their relocation.

As both sides await the court’s ruling, the future of Johannesburg Zoo’s three elephants remains in the hands of the judiciary.

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