Our Partners & Collaborators
Mammoth Translocation Effort to Rewild the Last Remaining Elephant at the Pretoria Zoo
On August 19th, 2024, Charlie, the lone African elephant from Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, was relocated to Shambala Private Game Reserve. This move, the result of extensive planning and advocacy, marks a significant milestone in global rewilding efforts from captivity. At 43 years old, Charlie now has the opportunity to spend his remaining years—potentially up to age 60-70—immersed in a natural environment, where he can reconnect with other elephants.
On the morning of August 19th, 2024, the world witnessed a monumental moment in rewilding from captivity and wildlife conservation. Teams from across the globe gathered to oversee the intricate operation of moving Charlie, the lone African elephant from Pretoria National Zoological Gardens, to his new home at Shambala Private Game Reserve. The 10-ton operation involved Charlie walking into his specially designed crate, being hoisted by a crane onto a specialized transportation truck, and embarking on his journey to freedom.
Charlie, now 43 years old, was born in 1982 in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. He was captured and sent to South Africa’s Brian Boswell Circus in 1984 before being transferred to the National Zoological Gardens on July 30, 2001. African bush elephants can live up to 60-70 years, so Charlie still has plenty of time to enjoy his newfound freedom.
WeWild Africa partnered with the EMS Foundation, Shambala Private Game Reserve, and Conservation Solutions, in the translocation effort which was one of the most challenging elephant translocations undertaken to date in South Africa. Charlie is on a very specific diet which needed to be managed by WeWild Africa as well.
The loading process took 3 hours to complete with numerous elephant capture and translocation specialists from WeWild Africa and Conservation Solutions, providing input and technical skills. Once loaded, Charlie’s trip to Shambala Private Game Reserve took about 4 hours after which he was released into a specially designed holding enclosure which allowed the veterinary team to monitor him closely. He will then be released into larger areas as he settles.
Dereck Milburn, Managing Director of WeWild Africa, states, ‘We are thrilled to see Charlie embark on this new journey back into the wild today. We have assembled the best logistical and veterinary teams from around the world to ensure Charlie’s safe relocation to his new home at Shambala. WeWild Africa has a long history of supporting rewilding projects globally, and we are honored to be part of Charlie’s retirement milestone, allowing him to roam freely in a beautiful game reserve for the rest of his days’.
We are happy to confirm that Charlie is doing well and his progress to becoming a wild elephant again is superseding the expectations of the rewilding team.
About WeWild Africa
WeWild Africa was founded in 2019 by veteran conservation experts with 100+ years collective experience in wildlife conservation in Africa. WeWild Africa We have worked in some of the most challenging places and situations in the world, with a never-give-up mindset. Through partnerships with key stakeholders and committed organizations and reserves, WeWild Africa is able to make decisions quickly and provide seemingly impossible solutions. Since 2019 the organization has directly impacted over 1000 animals through rescue or rewilding. For more information visit: www.wewildafrica.com, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Youtube.
About Conservation Solutions
Conservation Solutions specializes in large-scale wildlife capture, translocation, and restocking projects across Africa. With a proven track record of managing some of the continent’s largest and most complex wildlife relocations, their efforts often span international boundaries as part of broader continental conservation initiatives. Witnessing the loss of a species is heart-breaking, but there is nothing quite as hopeful as seeing its return. For more information visit: https://www.conservationsolutions.co.za/, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
About EMS Foundation
The EMS Foundation, established in 2014, focuses on the rights and welfare of vulnerable people and animals in South Africa. The foundation is committed to influencing systemic change through advocacy, research, and strategic litigation. For more information visit: https://emsfoundation.org.za/
