News Archives - EMS Foundation

13 Dec

ABALONE AND AUCAMP: THE PLOT SICKENS

ABALONE AND AUCAMP: THE PLOT SICKENS PUBLIC STATEMENT 13th December 2025 On the 18th November the EMS Foundation made a statement, The Axing of Minister Dion George – The Democratic Alliance Shows Its True Colours, where we said that Minister George’s sacking raises urgent questions: What we failed to ask was: will South Africa’s crucial Abalone Proposal, aimed at protecting […]

10 Dec

STORMBERG BABOONS

STORMBERG BABOONS Public Statement In May 2024, all the baboons at the Stormberg Conservation Baboon Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary(NPC 2020/1148708) were abandoned without warning by the Sanctuary Founder and NPC, leaving the 39 Chacma baboons lives at risk on Klipfontein Farm, Witkop near Burgersdorp in the Eastern Cape. As no funding from the NPC was made available to […]

27 Nov

PUBLIC PRESSURE FINALLY LEADS TO THE REMOVAL OF INTRUSIVE AND CRUEL BABOON COLLARS

PUBLIC PRESSURE FINALLY LEADS TO THE REMOVAL OF INTRUSIVE AND CRUEL BABOON COLLARS In May 2025 over 70 animal protection organisations supported a letter to the Overstrand Municipality urgently requesting that the collars that had been on some of the Hermanus baboons for years, be removed. The EMS Foundation even made a generous offer to fund the removal […]

13 Nov

Residents Push Back Against Lethal Baboon Management in the Overstrand

“The Overstrand belongs to all who live in it”: Residents push back against lethal baboon “management” Civil society groups demand an end to killing and a reset of the Overstrand’s relationship with its Chacma baboons. On a mild Monday evening, 3 November 2025, more than 80 residents of the Overstrand gathered at the Marine Hotel. […]

29 Oct

THE STATUS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVES

THE STATUS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVES The EMS Foundation’s recent on-site investigation into South Africa’s Provincial Nature Reserves reveals a dire situation. The majority of these reserves are unable to fulfil their conservation objectives due to poor management, insufficient funding, infrastructure decay, and strained community relations. Key challenges include widespread poaching, invasive species, […]

15 Sep

RHINO HORN TRADE: DECADES OF WARNINGS BY ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS PROVEN TO BE ON THE MONEY

RHINO HORN TRADE: DECADES OF WARNINGS BY ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS PROVEN TO BE ON THE MONEY In response to valid concerns that increasing the demand for rhino horn by wealthy consumers in Asia (which far exceeds any possible supply from dehorning live rhinos), particularly over the last decade, has led to the killing of rhino and […]

5 Sep

The Economic Impact of Hunting in South Africa

The Economic Impact of Hunting in South Africa This technical note reviews and critiques a recent study by van der Merwe and Saayman (2025) on the economic significance of hunting tourism in South Africa. The original study estimates that hunting tourism contributes around $888 million USD annually in direct spending, and that the broader economic […]

25 Aug

FRIGHTENING BABOONS TO DEATH IN HERMANUS A Public Response to Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

FRIGHTENING BABOONS TO DEATH IN HERMANUS A Public Response to Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill The EMS Foundation sent an open letter to the Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’ Neill in response to the official statement that was published on Facebook on the 22nd August 2025 with regard to eye witness reports that a baboon […]

12 Jun

OPPOSING AGENDAS IN THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE REGARDING CONTROVERSIAL CAPTIVE LION INDUSTRY AND LION BONE TRADE

OPPOSING AGENDAS IN THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE REGARDING CONTROVERSIAL CAPTIVE LION INDUSTRY AND LION BONE TRADE The EMS Foundation expressed concern about the obvious opposing agendas within the Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second largest political party, about the controversial captive lion industry and the lion bone trade. Download and read the letter sent to Andrew de […]

27 May

Offer by the EMS Foundation to the Overstrand Municipality for the Expert Removal of the Inhumane Collars from Baboons in Hermanus

Offer by the EMS Foundation to the Overstrand Municipality for the Expert Removal of the Inhumane Collars from Baboons in Hermanus “The EMS Foundation’s financial commitment to the Overstrand geographical area is substantial and we have proudly invested a lot of time, energy and money into the Overstrand community. We are committed to finding solutions for the creation of a better South Africa for everyone. The Overstrand is one of the areas of where we have put our vision into action. The protection of the vulnerable Chacma baboon species in the Overstrand is extremely important to our Foundation. We rely upon the expertise of ecologists, zoologists, social scientists, primatologists, economists and environmental lawyers as well as the collection of real-time data recorded daily related to baboon behaviour in Pringle Bay and Hermanus. This data has been collected by our affiliated organization, KVET – in Pringle Bay since December 2022 and in Hermanus since April 2025. Of urgent importance to the wellbeing and welfare of the baboons in Hermanus, our Foundation hereby offers to fund the cost of removing the inhumane collars from the baboons in Hermanus which were fitted by HWS, a company previously contracted by the Overstrand Municipality. The offer to fund the process to have these collars removed by our experienced veterinarian is based on our concern for the baboons. Our offer is supported by a number of wildlife protection and conservation organisations in the Overstrand Municipal area and all over South Africa who are equally concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of the baboons in the Overstrand. DOWNLOAD THE OFFER TO REMOVE THE COLLARS:

18 Apr

CONCERN FOR MOPANE AT THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO

CONCERN FOR MOPANE AT THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO Environmental Lawyers, Cullinan and Associates, are acting for the EMS Foundation, Animal Law Reform South Africa and Chief Stephen Fritz a member of the South African Peninsula Khoi Council, in their bid to have the three Elephants presently in captivity the Johannesburg Zoo released for rehabilitation and reintegration […]

4 Apr

EMS FOUNDATION RIGHT OF REPLY “BABOONS WREAK HAVOC”

EMS FOUNDATION RIGHT OF REPLY “BABOONS WREAK HAVOC” Right of Reply to Village News article, Baboons Wreak Havoc by Sarah Taylor, published on 28th March 2025 HERMANUS RESIDENTS BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR – OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY ADAPTIVE BABOON MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Not all residents living in Pringle Bay will agree with Dean O Neill’s sweeping statement published in the Village […]

23 Feb

ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS VOW TO VOCIFEROUSLY OPPOSE ATTEMPT BY BREEDERS AND DEALERS TO REOPEN SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BONE TRADE

ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS VOW TO VOCIFEROUSLY OPPOSE ATTEMPT BY BREEDERS AND DEALERS TO REOPEN SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BONE TRADE BACKGROUND INFORMATION A legal case has been filed in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, involving the South African Predator Association (SAPA) and several individuals against the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the […]

1 Feb

Trophy Hunting from Behind Bars

Trophy Hunting from Behind Bars Where Have All the Rhinos Gone Report is a South African retrospective research report which was published in 2021. The Report is a compilation of, and expansion on, the work previously carried out by researchers and investigative journalists over the past two decades. This time period will forever be marked […]

13 Dec

EMS FOUNDATION SUBMISSION ON THE NON-DETRIMENT FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN LISTED SPECIES IN TERMS OF CITES PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NO.51397 OF 15TH OCTOBER 2024

EMS FOUNDATION SUBMISSION ON THE NON-DETRIMENT FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN LISTED SPECIES IN TERMS OF CITES PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NO.51397 OF 15TH OCTOBER 2024 READ FULL SUBMISSION: “These comments are fully endorsed by the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa(WAPFSA), a coalition of thirty diverse South African-based organisations united by shared values and objectives. […]

13 Dec

Objections from the EMS Foundation | Annual Export Quotas For Elephant, Black Rhinos and Leopard Hunting Trophies, 2024/2025

Objections from the EMS Foundation | Annual Export Quotas For Elephant, Black Rhinos and Leopard Hunting Trophies, 2024/2025 READ THE FULL SUBMISSION: Excerpts from the EMS Foundation Submission delivered to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on Friday 13th December 2024: “We hope that our comments will be constructively considered. We request that […]

13 Dec

A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM THE EMS FOUNDATION

A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM THE EMS FOUNDATION “As you are well-aware, the EMS Foundation is a registered trust, a registered non-profit organization and a public benefit organization. Our mission is the advancement and protection of the rights and generalwelfare of wild animals, children, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups in South Africa and Africa for the purpose of alleviating suffering, disrupting inequality in all of its forms, raising public […]

3 Nov

Protected: DESPITE CALLS FROM SANBI FOR EXPRESSION FOR INTEREST FOR THE RETIREMENT OF ZOO ELEPHANT IN 2023 AND A SIGNED AGREEMENT IN 2024 ZOO STAFF PROTEST PUT ELEPHANT AND RELOCATION TEAM’S LIFE AT RISK

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

3 Nov

Is Stellenbosch University Adopting a Dangerous One-Sided Approach to Wildlife Conservation?

Is Stellenbosch University Adopting a Dangerous One-Sided Approach to Wildlife Conservation? “In a letter addressed to the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, as well as to the Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), a collaborative group of wildlife NGOs, the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA), have cautioned that Stellenbosch […]

16 Sep

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS IN CASE NO: 32881/2022 EMS FOUNDATION CALLING ON INTERESTED PARTIES TO BE ADMITTED AS AMICUS CURIAE

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS IN CASE NO: 32881/2022 EMS FOUNDATION CALLING ON INTERESTED PARTIES TO BE ADMITTED AS AMICUS CURIAE On the 16th September 2024, in the application of Animal Law Reform, the EMS Foundation, Chief Stephen Fritz and the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, MEC: Economic Development, Agriculture, […]

16 Sep

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS, THE EMS FOUNDATION AND OTHERS PROVIDE RULE A 16A NOTICE TO THE REGISTRAR IN CASE NO:32881/2022

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS, THE EMS FOUNDATION AND OTHERS PROVIDE RULE A 16A NOTICE TO THE REGISTRAR IN CASE NO:32881/2022 On the 16th September 2024, in the application of Animal Law Reform, the EMS Foundation, Chief Stephen Fritz and the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, MEC: Economic Development, Agriculture, […]

19 Aug

ZOO ELEPHANT CHARLIE: FREE, FREE AT LAST!

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE ZOO ELEPHANT CHARLIE: FREE, FREE AT LAST! Thirty years after democracy, the last elephant in South Africa’s only national zoo has been freed. After a nail-biting 4 hour trip towards freedom, the EMS Foundation is thrilled to announce that Elephant Charlie has arrived at his new home at the Shambala Private Reserve […]

29 Jul

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE: PRETORIA’S CHARLEY THE ELEPHANT PREPARES FOR NEW BEGINNING

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE: PRETORIA’S CHARLEY THE ELEPHANT PREPARES FOR NEW BEGINNING Pretoria’s Charley the Elephant Prepares for A New Beginning [Tshwane, Pretoria: 29 July 2024]: The South African government agreed to pursue options for the retirement of African Elephant Charley from the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria to a suitable wildlife sanctuary or similar setting. On […]

26 Jul

COMMENTS ON DRAFT NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY BILL 2024

COMMENTS ON DRAFT NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY BILL 2024 The comments are submitted jointly by the EMS Foundation and by the Wild Law Institute We strongly support the enactment of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Bill (“the Bill”) but believe that the Bill requires strengthening in several important respects in order to enable it to […]

9 Jul

WE REACH OUT OUR HANDS IN FRIENDSHIP AND DIGNITY

WE REACH OUR HANDS IN FRIENDSHIP AND DIGNITY We reach out our hands in friendship and dignity, treating all people with respect, compassion and empathy, supporting their independence and acknowledging their unique needs, preferences and characteristics. The EMS Foundation assists the schools we support through holistic interventions for sustainable futures. One such action is the […]

8 Jul

REBECCA MOSIMA -HUMANS WHO GROW FOOD

REBECCA MOSIMA -HUMANS WHO GROW FOOD Gender-responsive agroecology that benefits women small-scale producers, supports food security and protects biodiversity and ecosystems is fundamental to the provision of vegetables and cruelty free food at the schools the EMS Foundation supports. Mrs Rebecca Mosima lovingly tends the EMS Foundation sponsored growzone at the EA Davidson Primary School in […]

31 May

LETTER OF DEMAND: USE OF INHUMANE BABOON MANAGEMENT METHODS IN PRINGLE BAY

LETTER OF DEMAND: USE OF INHUMANE BABOON MANAGEMENT METHODS IN PRINGLE BAY Cullinan and Associates, lawyers acting for the EMS Foundation, sent an urgent letter of demand to the Overstrand Municipality on the 31s May 2024. The EMS Foundation formally objected to the Overstrand Municipality’s Baboon Management Plan for Pringle Bay, which was published by […]

16 Apr

COMMENTS ON THE REVIEWED SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY ECONOMY STRATEGY

THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE BIODIVERSITY LAW CENTRE COMMENT ON THE REVIEWED SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY ECONOMY STRATEGY This comment is submitted by the BLC and EMS Foundation in response to the draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy published under Government Notice 4492 in Government Gazette 50279 of 8 March 2024 (NBES). We hope that our comments will […]

28 Feb

SOUTH AFRICA’S RHINO HORN STOCKPILES INTRINSIC TO ILLEGAL TRADE

Rather than banking on the extinction of rhinos, South Africa must embrace rhino horn stockpile destruction as an anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, and demand reduction tool to meaningfully contribute to the ethical protection of rhino populations in Africa and Asia and to mitigate their extinction. Doing so will send a strong signal that South Africa is firmly committed to preserving and protecting rhinos, and to truly ensuring their welfare and well-being. By virtue of the precautionary approach, South Africa, and other CITES States Parties must act in the best interest of the conservation of the species and urgently uplist rhinos currently on Appendix II to Appendix I.

27 Feb

SOUTH AFRICA’S RHINO HORN STOCKPILES INTRINSIC TO ILLEGAL TRADE

Rather than banking on the extinction of rhinos, South Africa must embrace rhino horn stockpile destruction as an anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, and demand reduction tool to meaningfully contribute to the ethical protection of rhino populations in Africa and Asia and to mitigate their extinction. Doing so will send a strong signal that South Africa is firmly committed to preserving and protecting rhinos, and to truly ensuring their welfare and well-being. By virtue of the precautionary approach, South Africa, and other CITES States Parties must act in the best interest of the conservation of the species and urgently uplist rhinos currently on Appendix II to Appendix I.

12 Dec

WHO ARE THE MONSTERS? THE ILL ADVISED ATTEMPT TO CREATE FEAR AND LOATHING IN THE VILLAGE OF PRINGLE BAY

WHO ARE THE MONSTERS? THE ILL ADVISED ATTEMPT TO CREATE FEAR AND LOATHING IN THE VILLAGE OF PRINGLE BAY A Written Response to a Document Published by a Pringle Bay Resident on Facebook DOWNLOAD TO READ THE DOCUMENT PUBLISHED ON SOCIAL MEDIA: THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM THE EMS FOUNDATION: Introduction The primary purpose of Not […]

25 Nov

The Future is Bright EMS Foundation Hands Over a NEW Building for the Boxers of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club

On Saturday 25th of November 2023 Elizabeth Steyn the patron of the EMS Foundation officially handed over a new building to the boxers of Overstrand Whale Boxing Club at the opening event held in Hermanus in the Western Cape of South Africa. Almost exactly a year in November 2022 the final plans were discussed in Hermanus, the architects who share the responsibility for the design of the building are Nicola du Pisanie from Stonewood Design in the United Kingdom and Simon Pfotenhauer from Stage 5 Architects in South Africa. In March 2023 Elizabeth Steyn returned to Hermanus to break ground on the proposed site at the Hermanus Waldorf School with Mzi Damesi, the founder and head coach of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club. On the 28th of March 2023 the heavy duty equipment arrived on site to begin excavation in order to start laying the foundations and the construction of the new OWBC commenced.

17 Nov

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT POLICY POSITION OF THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT POLICY POSITION OF THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS 17 November 2023 The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute delivered their submission to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2. While we acknowledge the merits of many policy interventions, we wish […]

19 Oct

SOCIETY HAS A MORAL OBLIGATION TO ADDRESS THE ONGOING CRUELTY SHOWN TOWARDS BABOON FAMILIES IN PRINGLE BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

The world is on the tipping point of climate catastrophe. The Western Cape is particularly susceptible to climate shocks and the ever-worsening climate crisis. It is crucial, therefore, that the primary role of conservation must be to ensure that the ecological systems and processes which are essential to life in all its forms and to sustaining and enhancing the wellbeing of humans and other forms of life, are respected, protected and where necessary, restored.

15 Sep

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY CHOOSES TO RELY UPON BIASED, INACCURATE AND UNSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Presently the Overstrand Municipality, unconstitutionally and stubbornly refuses to meet with representatives from the Pringle Bay or Betty's Bay community or the volunteers and civil society entities who are working altruistically and tirelessly to assist this villages. Instead, the Overstrand Municipality has chosen to rely upon outdated questionable data from HWS and the few residents who want baboons eradicated from the conservancy. Due to the enormous amount of money that was spent on the services of Human Wildlife Solutions baboon management in the Overstrand Municipality, the EMS Foundation has taken the firm position that an independent oversight authority needs to be consulted one with an independent legal mandate to investigate the merits of the call for a 106 forensic investigation.

21 Mar

BREAKING GROUND THE NEW HOME OF THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB

The EMS Foundation broke ground at the Hermanus Waldorf School on the 18th of March 2023 for the construction new premises of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club. Coach and Founder of the well known club, which has produced national champions, is delighted as are the many boxers who attend the club.

3 Mar

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY

Cullinan and Associates, environmental lawyers acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have sent an urgent letter to the Overstrand Municipality, the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, Cape Nature Overberg and Human Wildlife Solutions with regard to their decision to move the baboon troops from Pringle Bay

21 Feb

OUR KIN DISCARDED, SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF (NONHUMAN) PRIMATES

Part Four of the Extinction Business series of investigations and reports published by the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading South Africa

17 Jan

AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE COLONIAL STYLED COMMERCIALISATION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES ADVERTISED AT THE JAGD UND HUND EUROPES LARGEST HUNTING FAIR IN DORTMUND, GERMANY

The EMS Foundation signed an open letter written to the Mayor of Dortmund by the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa which has also signed by members of the Pro Elephant Network and endorsed by a number of wildlife conservationists, wildlife veterinarians, politicians and lawyers from around the world.

24 Dec

REQUEST TO SUSPEND THE DECISION TO REMOVE MALE BABOONS FROM THE PRINGLE BAY TROOP

Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have, today issued an urgent communication which is addressed to the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, representatives of the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, Cape Nature and Human Wildlife Solutions.

6 Jul

JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

THE EMS FOUNDATION OPPOSES TROPHY HUNTING AND THE ASSOCIATED TRADE IN TROPHIES AND ASSERTS THAT “KILLING TO CONSERVE” IS NEITHER AN ETHICAL NOR A SUBSTANTIAL APPROACH TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.

3 Jun

INVESTING IN EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

The EMS Foundation recognises the fact that there are many talented young people who can achieve world-class results if given the correct opportunities. The foundation has discovered that there are schools in the regions in South Africa where the organisation is actively working are offering quality education, these deserving institutions are receiving our support.

1 Jun

THE IMPACTS ON LEVELS OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS SINCE THE CLOSURE OF CHINA’S DOMESTIC TRADE IN IVORY

The problem of stockpiling ivory remains. The disjunct between online ivory sales data and seizure data had indicated that organised criminal groups were likely stockpiling ivory for various reasons. We suspect that this was because they were ‘banking on extinction’ - literally funding poaching to create private ivory stockpiles, which they could then drip feed to the market once elephants had become extinct, or a legal trade reignited (or both). Domestic ivory bans should therefore be indefinite and complete. Unfortunately, if range states keep talking about selling their ivory, the incentive for stockpiling remains.

26 May

COMMENTS ON THE BIODIVERSITY OFF-SET GUIDELINE

The concept of biodiversity offsetting does not recognise the right of the individual components of ecosystems to exist and of ecosystems to remain intact and functioning. The Guideline is silent on how the welfare of individual animals is to be protected when a decision is made to authorise the destruction of a habitat, based on offsetting.

15 Mar

NAMIBIA’S LIVE TRADE IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS CAPTURED FROM THE WILD

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26 Nov

CONTROVERSIAL SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Operation Phakisa focused on unlocking the economic potentials of South African oceans. Offshore oil and gas extraction was one of the four areas where this potential was identified. President Jacob Zuma said that the ocean around the southern tip of Africa could contribute around a million jobs via shipbuilding and mineral resource extraction by 2033.

11 Nov

EXTINCTION BUSINESS REPORT USED IN EVIDENCE IN HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

The EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading gathered extensive information whilst investigating South Africa's big cat industry and South Africa's Lion Bone Trade which resulted in the first Extinction Business series of reports. The evidence in this report was used, amongst other, in a South African High Court matter.

12 Aug

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2021

Elephants Killed for Trophies in the Kruger National Park System, South Africa The EMS Foundation has confirmed, via an access to information request to the Limpopo government (LEDET), that in 2020 four male elephants were killed for trophies in an open system with the Kruger National Park – the Balule Reserve. In addition, in 2020, […]

3 May

GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA

The EMS Foundation, represented by Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, submitted comments on the Draft Guidelines for the Transportation of Live Animals by Sea to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa on the 30th April 2021.

25 Mar

A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY

Since at least as far back as the late 1990s, various NGOs have warned your department about the harmful and negative effects of breeding lions (and other big cats) in captivity. Yet, the South African government has done nothing to slow the growth of the captive lion breeding industry, nor has it given any indication of wanting to do so. This letter lays bare the facts and calls for immediate action. First, it details the risks embedded in captive lion (and other big cat) breeding and why the industry should be terminated.

1 Apr

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa

TROPHY HUNTING IN BOTSWANA Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February […]

22 Feb

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation

Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February 2019. Image Credit: https://www.grahamsalessafaris.com/elephant-hunting-botswana/ © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

20 Oct

EMS FOUNDATION, ANIMAL LAW REFORM AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING COMMENT ON VARIOUS RHINO HORN REGULATIONS AND NOTICES 2018

EMS FOUNDATION, ANIMAL LAW REFORM COMMENT ON VARIOUS RHINO HORN REGULATIONS AND NOTICES 2018 The conclusive comments include but are not limited to the following points: 2. In some instances, the provisions are contrary to South Africa’s CITES obligations and believe these can be exploited by persons involved in the trade. These loopholes need to […]

31 May

The Culling of Hippopotami

10 Apr

Appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa for Urgent Actions Against the Criminal Rhino Horn Syndicates Required

We respectfully urge you to publicly denounce the syndicates responsible for South Africa’s rhino poaching crisis and allocate adequate resources to investigate and prosecute these criminals to the full extent of the law. By taking swift action South Africa can overcome the immense challenges threatening the continued survival of the rhino and once again save […]

15 Feb

Supporting Efforts to Save the Critically Endangered Vaquita in Mexico’s Gulf of California

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/population-vaquita-porpoises-has-dwindled-to-ten-but-rebound-isnt-out-of-question-180980068/ Scientists say there may now be fewer than 30 vaquitas left. According to the Center For Biological Diversity, vaquitas are about the size of small humans, topping out at about 5 feet long and 120 pounds, with black borders around their expressive eyes and rounded mouth. They’re known to be shy and elusive — but […]

30 Jan

Treatment of Animals at Rangunan Zoo

11 Jan

Sign-on letter to CNN – U.S. Regarding the Documentary Trophy: January 2018

We understand CNN – U.S. will be airing a pre-recorded interview with the CEO of Born Free USA, Prashant Khetan, on January 11 and a live conversation between Mr. Khetan and Philip Glass, a hunter featured in Trophy, on January 12. We are respectfully asking you to please reconsider airing this “shockumentary” on your esteemed […]

11 Jan

Letter to Zimbabwe President regarding the export of baby elephants to China: January 2018

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/24/africa/zimbabwe-elephant-trade-intl/index.html The EMS Foundation signed a letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging him to immediately halt the further capture and export of young, wild elephants from Zimbabwe’s parks to captive facilities overseas. © Copyright EMS Foundation 2018. All rights reserved.

10 Jan

Letter Regarding The Prosecution of Nguyen Mau Chien

LETTER REGARDING THE PROSECUTION OF NGUYEN MAU CHIEN On behalf of the undersigned organisations, we are writing to congratulate you on your government’s commitment to tackle wildlife trafficking. This has been demonstrated by the landmark investigation and enforcement effort that has led to the upcoming first-instance trial of Nguyen Mau Chien and his associates Nguyen […]

29 Nov

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter We wish to express that SAPA’s letter is fraught with inaccuracies, false statements, and a flawed viewpoint that is shaped for the economic benefit of captive lion breeders. We recommend that USFWS maintains their current position which is to ban the importation […]

14 Sep

EU CITES MA Letter – Importation into the EU of hunting trophies from Annex B species

IMPORTATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION OF HUNTING TROPHIES FROM ANNEX B SPECIES We therefore request that the European Commission and EU Member States urgently revise Commission Regulation 865/2006 to require the issuance of import permits for hunting trophies from all Annex B species. © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

10 Jun

Joint Letter to Eden Wildlife regarding the export five young live elephants from Namibia

On behalf of the undersigned conservation and animal welfare organizations representing hundreds of millions of people worldwide, we urge you to immediately and permanently halt plans to capture and export five young live elephants from your Namibia property, Eden Wildlife to Safari Park Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS […]

7 Apr

Open Letter Re: Recent Constitutional Court Judgement and its Impact on South African Environmental Issues

The Constitutional Court emphasised that constitutional values dictate a more caring attitude towards fellow humans, animals and the environment in general and that this obligation was especially pertinent because of South Africa’s history. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

30 Mar

NGO Letter to FC Barcelona – Appeal to Urge Rakuten Inc. to Cease All Elephant Ivory Product Sales

We are writing on behalf of our organizations, representing millions of citizens worldwide, to request your support in urging Rakuten Inc. to immediately cease the sale of elephant ivory products.In the midst of a global elephant poaching crisis, we urge you to call for the end of Rakuten’s role in the ivory trade, and to […]

10 Mar

EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING COMMENT ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR THE DOMESTIC TRADE IN RHINOCEROS HORN 2017

The proposed regulations have come as a shock to the local and international community particularly given the fact that the Committee of Inquiry set up by the South African Government advised against commercial trading of rhino horns and, at the 2016 CITES COP the MAJORITY of world governments firmly opposed legalising international trade in rhino […]

1 Feb

DEA Lion Bone Quota Sign On Letter January 2017

We therefore strongly urge the South Africa government to develop a plan that will explain how each of these implementation and enforcement challenges will be addressed, prior to the captive-bred lion skeleton export quota going into effect. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

10 Nov

Letter to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities

EXPORTS OF LIVE ELEPHANTS FROM ZIMBABWE TO CAPTIVE FACILITIES Letter from the Species Survival Network (SSN) to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities. © 2016 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

30 Sep

Objections and Comments on the Published Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals

As part of the public participation process for The Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals in South Africa, please find the following general comments and specific suggestions. Read the full document © 2016 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

24 Sep

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How South Africa’s policies are killing Africa’s wild animals

This Report tries to unpack South Africa’s role in a world where Africa’s animals are literally “Under Siege”. We highlight an obvious pattern: legal trade in both ivory and rhino horn is part of the problem and should be prohibited, because it has been used to launder illegal ivory and rhino horn which in turn […]

Category News

ABALONE AND AUCAMP: THE PLOT SICKENS

STORMBERG BABOONS

PUBLIC PRESSURE FINALLY LEADS TO THE REMOVAL OF INTRUSIVE AND CRUEL BABOON COLLARS

Residents Push Back Against Lethal Baboon Management in the Overstrand

THE STATUS OF SOUTH AFRICA’S PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVES

RHINO HORN TRADE: DECADES OF WARNINGS BY ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS PROVEN TO BE ON THE MONEY

The Economic Impact of Hunting in South Africa

FRIGHTENING BABOONS TO DEATH IN HERMANUS A Public Response to Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

OPPOSING AGENDAS IN THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE REGARDING CONTROVERSIAL CAPTIVE LION INDUSTRY AND LION BONE TRADE

Offer by the EMS Foundation to the Overstrand Municipality for the Expert Removal of the Inhumane Collars from Baboons in Hermanus

CONCERN FOR MOPANE AT THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO

EMS FOUNDATION RIGHT OF REPLY “BABOONS WREAK HAVOC”

ANIMAL PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS VOW TO VOCIFEROUSLY OPPOSE ATTEMPT BY BREEDERS AND DEALERS TO REOPEN SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BONE TRADE

Trophy Hunting from Behind Bars

EMS FOUNDATION SUBMISSION ON THE NON-DETRIMENT FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN LISTED SPECIES IN TERMS OF CITES PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NO.51397 OF 15TH OCTOBER 2024

Objections from the EMS Foundation | Annual Export Quotas For Elephant, Black Rhinos and Leopard Hunting Trophies, 2024/2025

A CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM THE EMS FOUNDATION

Protected: DESPITE CALLS FROM SANBI FOR EXPRESSION FOR INTEREST FOR THE RETIREMENT OF ZOO ELEPHANT IN 2023 AND A SIGNED AGREEMENT IN 2024 ZOO STAFF PROTEST PUT ELEPHANT AND RELOCATION TEAM’S LIFE AT RISK

Is Stellenbosch University Adopting a Dangerous One-Sided Approach to Wildlife Conservation?

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS IN CASE NO: 32881/2022 EMS FOUNDATION CALLING ON INTERESTED PARTIES TO BE ADMITTED AS AMICUS CURIAE

TOWARDS FREEDOM JOHANNESBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS, THE EMS FOUNDATION AND OTHERS PROVIDE RULE A 16A NOTICE TO THE REGISTRAR IN CASE NO:32881/2022

ZOO ELEPHANT CHARLIE: FREE, FREE AT LAST!

OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASE: PRETORIA’S CHARLEY THE ELEPHANT PREPARES FOR NEW BEGINNING

COMMENTS ON DRAFT NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY BILL 2024

WE REACH OUT OUR HANDS IN FRIENDSHIP AND DIGNITY

REBECCA MOSIMA -HUMANS WHO GROW FOOD

LETTER OF DEMAND: USE OF INHUMANE BABOON MANAGEMENT METHODS IN PRINGLE BAY

COMMENTS ON THE REVIEWED SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY ECONOMY STRATEGY

SOUTH AFRICA’S RHINO HORN STOCKPILES INTRINSIC TO ILLEGAL TRADE

SOUTH AFRICA’S RHINO HORN STOCKPILES INTRINSIC TO ILLEGAL TRADE

WHO ARE THE MONSTERS? THE ILL ADVISED ATTEMPT TO CREATE FEAR AND LOATHING IN THE VILLAGE OF PRINGLE BAY

The Future is Bright EMS Foundation Hands Over a NEW Building for the Boxers of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT POLICY POSITION OF THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS

SOCIETY HAS A MORAL OBLIGATION TO ADDRESS THE ONGOING CRUELTY SHOWN TOWARDS BABOON FAMILIES IN PRINGLE BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY CHOOSES TO RELY UPON BIASED, INACCURATE AND UNSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

BREAKING GROUND THE NEW HOME OF THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY

OUR KIN DISCARDED, SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF (NONHUMAN) PRIMATES

AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE COLONIAL STYLED COMMERCIALISATION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES ADVERTISED AT THE JAGD UND HUND EUROPES LARGEST HUNTING FAIR IN DORTMUND, GERMANY

REQUEST TO SUSPEND THE DECISION TO REMOVE MALE BABOONS FROM THE PRINGLE BAY TROOP

JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

INVESTING IN EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

THE IMPACTS ON LEVELS OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS SINCE THE CLOSURE OF CHINA’S DOMESTIC TRADE IN IVORY

COMMENTS ON THE BIODIVERSITY OFF-SET GUIDELINE

NAMIBIA’S LIVE TRADE IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS CAPTURED FROM THE WILD

CONTROVERSIAL SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

EXTINCTION BUSINESS REPORT USED IN EVIDENCE IN HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2021

GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA

A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation

EMS FOUNDATION, ANIMAL LAW REFORM AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING COMMENT ON VARIOUS RHINO HORN REGULATIONS AND NOTICES 2018

The Culling of Hippopotami

Appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa for Urgent Actions Against the Criminal Rhino Horn Syndicates Required

Supporting Efforts to Save the Critically Endangered Vaquita in Mexico’s Gulf of California

Treatment of Animals at Rangunan Zoo

Sign-on letter to CNN – U.S. Regarding the Documentary Trophy: January 2018

Letter to Zimbabwe President regarding the export of baby elephants to China: January 2018

Letter Regarding The Prosecution of Nguyen Mau Chien

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter

EU CITES MA Letter – Importation into the EU of hunting trophies from Annex B species

Joint Letter to Eden Wildlife regarding the export five young live elephants from Namibia

Open Letter Re: Recent Constitutional Court Judgement and its Impact on South African Environmental Issues

NGO Letter to FC Barcelona – Appeal to Urge Rakuten Inc. to Cease All Elephant Ivory Product Sales

EMS FOUNDATION AND BAN ANIMAL TRADING COMMENT ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR THE DOMESTIC TRADE IN RHINOCEROS HORN 2017

DEA Lion Bone Quota Sign On Letter January 2017

Letter to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities

Objections and Comments on the Published Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How South Africa’s policies are killing Africa’s wild animals