Three elephants at the Johannesburg Zoo will remain in captivity after the Gauteng High Court dismissed an application to release them to a suitable facility for rehabilitation and rewilding.

The judgment, delivered on October 16, follows an application brought by the EMS Foundation, Animal Law Reform South Africa and Chief Stephen Fritz concerning the continued confinement of Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane.

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Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) welcomed the ruling, which made no order as to costs, and confirmed the elephants would remain at the zoo under its existing permit.

Thanduxolo Mendrew, JCPZ managing director, said the organisation remained committed to the animals’ welfare, with their caregivers and veterinary team continuing to monitor their condition.

“Our responsibility to Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane is a daily commitment. It rests with the people who care for them, the professionals who assess their well-being and a city that must remain accountable for the animals entrusted to it,” he said.

High Court decision leaves welfare concerns unresolved

However, the EMS Foundation expressed disappointment at the outcome, stressing that the dismissal should not be interpreted as a finding that the applicants’ welfare concerns were unfounded.

The foundation said the court’s decision centred on the legal basis of the application and the availability of administrative review. It maintained that concerns about the elephants’ psychological well-being, freedom of movement and ability to display natural behaviours remained unresolved.

Michele Pickover, EMS Foundation executive director, said the possibility of a better future for the elephants should still be considered.

“Public institutions must be willing to reconsider established practices when animals’ well-being is at stake. Lammie, Mopane and Ramadiba deserve a serious, evidence-based assessment of the possibility of a better life,” she said.

The foundation called for a transparent assessment of a properly resourced relocation proposal, guided by independent expertise and taking each elephant’s health, safety, social relationships and long-term care into account.

Also read: Johannesburg Zoo’s elephants spark explosive fight over captivity

Educational role and award highlighted

Meanwhile, JCPZ said the zoo continued to play an important role in conservation education, particularly by giving children and families opportunities to learn about wildlife and the natural environment.

The organisation also pointed to the zoo’s international recognition, including the Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake precinct receiving the 2026 World Urban Parks Large Urban Parks Award for the African continent.

While the ruling allows the elephants to remain at the zoo, the debate over their long-term future and what constitutes appropriate care for wild animals continues.

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