A charming and charismatic member of the National Zoo community who has entertained,
enthralled and educated thousands
Charley, the adult African elephant bull who has been a cherished resident at the National
Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria for over two decades, is retiring. This is the
announcement today of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the
organisation responsible for managing the Zoo.
“The decision was made more than a year ago to retire Charley. Among a number of
factors that were considered was his advanced age,” says Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of
Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI. “Potential host facilities
responded to a call for expressions of interest about providing a retirement home for
Charley. Having interrogated the responses, the proposal from the EMS Foundation and
Shambala Private Game Reserve to accommodate Charley in his retirement was
approved.”
Shambala Private Game Reserve, situated in the Waterberg region of Limpopo province,
will be Charley’s new home. The reserve has committed to a comprehensive relocation
plan, outlining the capture, transport, and integration of Charley into its facility. Shambala
will also provide regular health reports to SANBI for at least a year following his arrival,
ensuring continued oversight and care. Charley will initially be kept by himself at a holding
facility while he adjusts to his new living conditions. It is hoped that he will eventually be
integrated into Shambala’s resident elephant herd.
Charley’s relocation has started.
“Charley is a well-loved resident of the National Zoological Garden. He arrived at the NZG
from years in a circus environment in July 2001 and has been with the zoo for 23 years,”
explains Ms Mpulo. “He has never had to fend for himself in the wild. During his tenure at
NZG, Charley has not only entertained and educated thousands of visitors but also
contributed to various research initiatives that are invaluable to the conservation and
management of elephants. Charley also contributed to the preservation of biological
materials for future research. He deserves to continue enjoying the excellent care in
retirement that he received at NZG for decades.
“Management, staff and visitors to the National Zoo will miss Charley. He is a charismatic
and charming member of the larger zoo community nationally and internationally. We all
knew that the time would come when this majestic animal would have to retire. We extend
our heartfelt wishes for his well-being and happiness in his new home.”
The National Zoological Gardens continue providing research and educational, tourism
and recreational experiences for visitors, including thousands of students, while
maintaining high animal welfare standards.