The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), in partnership with conservation NGO WeWild Africa, is proud to announce the successful translocation and rewilding of Tswale, a captive bull elephant, to the Bellevue Forest Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. 

Tswale, who was captured as a calf and has lived his entire life in captivity, has now been given the opportunity to live freely in a protected wild environment. This landmark conservation effort was made possible through the collaboration of MTPA, WeWild Africa, and supporting partners including the EMS Foundation and Animaltalk Africa Trust.

“Tswale has been successfully integrated into the resident herd at Bellevue Forest Reserve, a well- managed private nature reserve selected for its ideal conditions—including suitable vegetation, consistent water availability, and a balanced elephant population. This makes it the perfect forever home for Tswale.”- confirmed MTPA

Before fully joining the herd, Tswale spent time in a rewilding enclosure under the close supervision of his long-time handler, Amos Jivendava, who has cared for him for over 20 years. Mr. Jivendava accompanied Tswale throughout the entire relocation and rewilding process, ensuring a smooth and humane transition. He has since moved on to assist with similar rewilding efforts for other captive elephants.

“Tswale is finally where he belongs,” said Dereck Milburn of WeWild Africa. “He spent too long being treated as a commodity. His story proves that elephants raised in captivity for human interaction can successfully adapt and thrive in the wild. We hope this serves as inspiration for other captive elephant owners to do the same.”

Remaining under the custodianship of the MTPA, Tswale is thriving in his new environment—integrating well with the herd and even showing protective behaviour toward the younger elephants as if they were his own. Loodt Buchner, owner of Bellevue Forest Reserve, shared: “Tswale is home. We are honoured to provide him with a place where he can live freely, as nature intended.”

This successful rewilding marks a hopeful step forward for captive elephants across South Africa and reinforces the importance of ethical conservation and responsible wildlife management.