After four decades in captivity, a 42-year-old elephant named Charlie has been released into the wild at Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.

This significant milestone marks the first time an elephant from the country’s only national zoo has been returned to nature, and it follows years of dedicated efforts by the Elizabeth Margaret Steyn (EMS) Foundation and its partners.

Charlie’s journey began in Zimbabwe’s Hwange, where he was captured at the age of two and sold to a circus in South Africa. In 2001, he was moved to Pretoria’s National Zoological Gardens, and kept for over 20 years.

During this time, Charlie witnessed the deaths of three fellow elephants and the loss of his daughter.

The EMS Foundation, supported by organisations such as Four Paws International and WeWild Africa, facilitated Charlie’s release, drawing on extensive negotiations with the South African government.

Now residing in a 10 000-hectare reserve, the freed elephant will be closely monitored as he gradually adjusts to his new environment. The hope is that he will eventually integrate into Shambala’s existing elephant community, living the life he was always meant to lead.

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