Charley, the African elephant, a beloved resident of the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria for over two decades, has been relocated to a nature reserve in the Waterberg. The board of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which is responsible for managing the NZG, took a decision in July 2022 to retire Charley from the zoo. As he embarks on a new chapter, NZG staff reflect on the years he spent with at the zoo, not as a prisoner, but as an ambassador for conservation, a teacher to countless schoolchildren, and a cherished member of the zoo family.
Charley’s story is one of resilience, care, and purpose. From the moment he arrived at the zoo in 2001, after being transferred from the Natal Lion Park, the NZG team dedicated themselves to ensuring his well-being. Every day, Charley’s routine was carefully structured to address both his physical and psychological needs. His mornings began at 08:00, when he would voluntarily come into his night room for his enclosure to be cleaned. His feeding spots were selected to maximise his comfort, often in areas where he could lean against warm rock structures and take a nap, absorbing the heat. His daily activities included foraging exercises designed to mimic natural behaviours and muscle-strengthening routines. For example, his morning feeding consisted of cubes, fruits, and vegetables, along with a tire for him to toss as part of his muscle training. The food was placed in high spots requiring him to stretch, strengthening his neck muscles.
During the cleaning of his display enclosure, enrichment food was hidden within rock structures, under stumps, and within night rooms adjacent to his own. This setup encouraged Charley to use both his physical and mental faculties to forage, ensuring he remained engaged and active. By 09:30-10:00, he would be given access to the enclosure, where he would walk around, searching every nook and cranny for his hidden treats. At midday, Charley was called back into his night room for a brief period, during which more enrichment food was placed throughout the enclosure. His interaction with the staff and the various enrichment tools kept him mentally stimulated.
Charley’s diet was meticulously managed, with his 50 kg daily browse divided into two 25 kg portions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The diet, carefully selected based on the season, ensuring Charley received the necessary fibre for his digestion.
Charley’s activities and well-being were continuously monitored, with staff observing him 24/7 via CCTV from three different areas. His detailed records speak volumes about the dedication and care that went into making his life at the National Zoological Garden as enriching and comfortable as possible.
But Charley’s impact extends beyond the confines of his enclosure. He was an integral part of the NZG’s educational programmes, helping thousands of schoolchildren understand the importance of wildlife conservation. His presence in the zoo allowed the team to teach the public about the majestic species that share this planet, the challenges they face, and the vital role we all play in their preservation. For many young learners, seeing Charley was their first, and perhaps only opportunity to encounter an elephant up close. The lessons he helped impart are ones that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Charley also contributed significantly to scientific research. His behaviour, health, and interactions were studied by students and researchers, providing valuable insights into elephant care and conservation. These studies have helped shape the knowledge and practices that guide elephant care not just at NZG, but at conservation facilities across the country.
As the team bids Charley farewell, they do so with a mixture of sadness and pride. Sadness that he will no longer be a daily presence at the zoo, but pride in the legacy he leaves behind. Charley’s time at NZG was marked by care, compassion, and a commitment to conservation. While the staff understands the board’s decision to relocate him, it is important to recognise the value of his years spent with at the NZG, years during which he touched the lives of countless individuals and contributed to the broader mission of wildlife conservation.
The National Zoological Garden has always been committed to the welfare of the animals in its care. The role of the zoo, as a national institution is not just to house these magnificent creatures, but to use their presence to educate the public, inspire future conservationists, and contribute to the global efforts to protect endangered species. Charley was, and always will be, a key part of that mission.
The NZG team conservation team will continue to monitor Charley’s health for at least a year after his arrival at the new facility. The facility is required to give SANBI officials, veterinarians, and animal health inspectors unrestricted access to Charley. The Management, staff and visitors to the National Zoo will miss Charley.
His legacy is not one of captivity, but of education, research, and a deep, abiding commitment to conservation.