NSPCA incensed over Joburg Zoo Elephant Day
Animals allegedly forced to perform tricks
THE National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has expressed outrage at a recent event held at the Johannesburg Zoo in celebration of World Elephant Day in which the animals being celebrated were apparently made to perform circus tricks.
The NSPCA said they were “appalled” that the “elephants were forced to perform circus tricks and were visibly stressed” on Monday.
However, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley described the allegations as “unfortunate” and said animal welfare was of paramount importance to the facility.
NSPCA spokesperson Meg Wilson said: “As if it is not enough to move two more elephants from a semi-wild environment and condemn them to a life of incarceration, in inadequate facilities; these majestic, intelligent and incredible creatures were forced to perform circus tricks to spectators that were welcomed into the Zoo for free today, to supposedly celebrate World Elephant Day.”
These animals have already been put through hell in training to be able to perform these tricks, she added.
“Now they are living in a completely inadequate captive environment, where they are being forced to perform these tricks – this involves ongoing elements of control and discipline, in the name of entertainment.”
Wilson said the NSPCA was at the Johannesburg Zoo last week, where they were told that the Zoo was preparing for World Elephant Day and were assured, during the visit, the elephants would not be impacted in any way.
“Yet the elephants had to perform for spectators and showed signs of undeniable stress. It is inconceivable that the Johannesburg Zoo would further promote the suffering of these sentient and sensitive creatures – it is nothing less than irresponsible and cruel,” said Wilson.
Moodley said their celebration was a far-reaching and purposeful engagement tailored to highlight the plight of elephants, both in the wild and in zoos.
“The two new elephants were trained to respond to groups of people at the sanctuary that they were acquired from and this was no different, with Mopani enjoying the various groups of people that visited by showing off her training. Lammie, however, who was born at the zoo, was never trained to respond in this manner, as the zoo subscribes to a strict code of ethics. The organising team anticipated the concern and ensured that Lammie’s exposure to the children was limited to 30 minutes. The children quickly dispersed to engage with other exhibits and talks that were provided throughout the Zoo,” said Moodley.
Moodley said all three elephants were closely monitored at all times, by their curator, the animal attendants and the behavioural enrichment team.
“Animal welfare is of paramount importance at the Joburg Zoo and the entity also remains steadfast in its mandate to ensure that every child gets to hear and see an African elephant, here in Africa – to foster eco-consciousness,” said Moodley.
Bryne Maduka, managing director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, said the elephant integration plan of the Joburg Zoo is in its third stage of implementation, aimed at housing all three elephants in the same enclosure.