Confining elephants to captivity is unjustifiable, this denies these intelligent, sensitive beings their freedom, companionship, and natural behaviors, amounting to needless cruelty.
Since 2002, with the establishment of elephant back safari operators within South Africa’s borders, the number of captive elephants rose to a peak of approximately 120 in 2010 and now remains at around 90 individuals. The remaining captive elephants are confined to zoos and tourism facilities that offer elephant interactions with the public, elephant back safaris, filming and photoshoots, all for human entertainment.
Several of the captive elephant populations were brought into South Africa from Zimbabwe, where the concept of elephant back safaris had been established for a number of years prior to being translocated to South Africa. These elephants share a similar history of being captured as calves and placed into captivity, after their herds were culled (shot) during population control programs during the 70’s and 80’s. Young elephants were captured while their herds were euthanized.
From the early 2000’s until around 2013, the elephants sourced for captivity, within the confines of South Africa, were sourced under unethical circumstances through the capture of wild elephants. The captive elephant industry brought with it a number of controversies over the years where the ethics of operating elephants commercially is questioned in various formats.
The truth about managing captive elephants has ultimately exposed its lack of meaningful value or positive outcome. In 2008 the elephant Norms and Standards was established by the government prohibiting the sourcing of more elephants for this industry from the wild. While this doesn’t put an end to the industry, it does prevent it from growing.
The lack of correct operating skills is also a major inhibiting factor when it comes to fostering elephants and establishing and maintaining commercial operations as the risks are outweighing the reward. Although this is a massive step in the right direction, the number of elephants in captivity remain high and the concerns about their well-being, along with the humans they engage with are on the rise.
Confined spaces, lack of social structures, and limited stimulation often lead to serious health and behavioral issues.
Captive elephants frequently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and obesity due to unnatural diets and lack of exercise.
They exhibit stereotypic behaviors—like repetitive swaying or pacing—as signs of psychological distress, and may develop hyper-aggression as a result of frustration and isolation.
Chronic health problems such as foot infections and arthritis are common, exacerbated by standing on hard surfaces and lack of movement, ultimately contributing to a significantly reduced life expectancy compared to their wild counterparts.
Photo credits: (2) Rick Allen (6) Adam Cruise
Supporting ERT achieve it’s goals goes beyond financial contribution, it’s about starting the conversion, spreading the word and ceasing support for captive facilities.
Financial support enables us to perform reintegration operations along with getting us closer to establishing our refuge reserve.
Take every opportunity to spread the word about captivity and the negative effect it has on these intelligent creatures
Ask facilities the hard questions about their plans around the well-being of their elephants i.e. why they aren’t rewilding?
Don’t visit captive facilities and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
We have big dreams at ERT to ensure all elephants life the life they deserve and we need you help to achieve it. Supporting us achieve our goals goes beyond financial contribution, it’s about starting the conversation, spreading the word and ceasing support for captive facilities.
All support, big or small is deeply appreciated.
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