TOWARDS FREEDOM SANBI EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NZG15052023/1

On the 21st June 2023 the EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve hand delivered Expression of Interest documents to the Chief Operations Officer of the South African National Biodiversity Institute and Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy. This forms part of the process of establishing a suitable home for the male African savanna elephant, Charlie.

In the image below the Executive Director of the EMS Foundation, Michele Pickover and Elizabeth Steyn are photographed checking the substantial Expression of Interest documents.

The video shows some of the elephants currently living at Shambala Private Game Reserve , Nelson Mandela’s former retreat. The videos were taken in April 2023 by elephant experts visiting Shambala as part of the preparation to relocate previously captive elephants.

As per the Terms of Reference of the Expression of Interest and to assist SANBI with the evaluation process representatives from SANBI visited Shambala on the 13th of September 2023. In the image below, representatives from the EMS Foundation, Shambala and invited elephant experts with representatives from SANBI photographed in front of Mandela House at Shambala.

The EMS Foundation and Shambala have generously offered to fund the expertise required to guide and prepare Charlie for his evacuation from the National Zoo in Pretoria. They are on standby to begin the process of building him a state of the art release and rehabilitation boma. He will receive the best possible care and expert support for the remainder of his natural life. They are immensely grateful to all the many experts who have committed their expertise and experience to assisting Charlie.

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