Charley The Elephant Arrives At The Shambala Private Game Reserve Following 40 Years In Captivity

Photos by: FOUR PAWS

Charley, a 42-year-old African elephant who was captured from the wild and endured a cruel life in captivity for nearly 40 years, is finally closer to freedom.

Global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, in collaboration with the EMS Foundation and the Shambala Private Game Reserve, has successfully facilitated the retirement of Charley the elephant to the 10,000-hectare Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.

Charley was born in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, but his early life took a tragic turn when he was captured as a young elephant, along with nine others. In 1984, he was brought to the Boswell Circus where he sadly performed for 16 years. In 2001, he was transferred to the Pretoria Zoo.

Over the past 23 years, Charley has witnessed the deaths of his four elephant companions and has exhibited signs of distress, such as repetitive head swaying—a behavior often observed in captive elephants.

To ensure a smooth transition into retirement, FOUR PAWS’ experts developed a comprehensive relocation plan for Charley. The team worked diligently to prepare him for the move, including crate training to ensure safe and stress-free transport to Shambala, where he will be reintegrated into a natural environment suitable for a male bull elephant.

Located just three hours from the zoo, Shambala Private Game Reserve has a proven track record of successfully reintegrating captive elephants into the wild. Since 2015, the reserve has rehabilitated and released elephants previously used for elephant-back safaris. Today, the reserve is home to a thriving population of elephants.

“This retirement is an important milestone for elephant Charley, but also for better animal welfare in South Africa. Together with our partners, we have been working tirelessly to end Charley’s loneliness and to see him thrive in his new species-appropriate home. At FOUR PAWS, we strive for sustainable, long-term solutions, advocate for the most favorable legal framework to protect wild animals and improve the lives of as many animals as possible,” says Josef Pfabigan, CEO and President of FOUR PAWS.

The transfer of Charley was led by FOUR PAWS veterinarian Dr. Amir Khalil, who stated, “Charley underwent crate training in his enclosure prior to relocation, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey. His rehabilitation will continue now that he is safely in his new home.”

Relocation day began early, with Charley successfully entering his transport crate thanks to expert training. Upon arrival at Shambala, Charley calmly exited the crate and began exploring his new enclosure. He had a peaceful first night and is currently being monitored by a team of experts from FOUR PAWS.

“We are pleased to have partnered and collaborated with the EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Reserve, providing our expertise and support for Charley’s retirement so that he can live out his golden years in freedom in a natural, species-appropriate environment. We would also like to thank Honorable Narend Singh, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, for their support and assistance during Charley’s relocation,” said Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS in South Africa.