Five months after being released from the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, Duma—formerly known as Charlie the Elephant—is now thriving in his new home at Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo.
Duma, an African male elephant, was born in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe in 1982. He was captured and sent to South Africa’s Brian Boswell Circus in 1984 before being transferred to the National Zoological Gardens in 2001. Duma has spent the majority of his life in captivity in an enclosure.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) published an expression of interest document last year, inviting parties to submit proposals for a suitable facility for the retirement or relocation of Duma. The closing date for submissions was 23 June.
Since its founding, the EMS Foundation has been dedicated to freeing elephants from captivity. This focus has evolved into a specialised programme called 'Towards Freedom,' which includes individually tailored projects.
Speaking to The Star, Megan Carr, EMS senior researcher for Lead Elephant Projects, said Charlie was renamed Duma, a more suitable and respectful African name meaning ‘thunder’.
Since his release, Duma has transitioned into a two-hectare area featuring trees, bushes, shaded cover, a large waterhole, and expansive mud pools, which are important for elephants’ skincare. He now enjoys exploring a 26-hectare area under the attentive care of elephant experts and his veterinarian, Dr Peter Rogers.
Carr said that Duma is actively exploring his environment and learning to browse independently, and is monitored around the clock.
Watch video here: https://rumble.com/v6bb6km-from-charlie-to-duma-former-circus-elephant-thrives-in-new-wildlife-sanctua.html
“Duma is exploring the area learning how to browse for himself. He is observed twenty-four hours a day. He is growing stronger, has put on weight and his veterinarian Dr Peter Rogers is very happy with his overall physical and mental wellbeing. For the first time, he has choice and agency.”
When asked about an increase in visitors to Duma’s new home, Carr explained that the rehabilitation boma was constructed in a private section of Shambala, inaccessible to tourists. She emphasised that, after entertaining humans for 40 years, it was time for Duma to have the privacy he needs to learn how to live as a wild elephant.
“It is not, and will never be, our intention to monetise Duma’s freedom,” she stated.
Carr also mentioned that Duma and his journey to freedom have gained a significant social media following, and updates are regularly shared with his followers through images and videos.
“Duma and his journey to Freedom has a large social media following and we regularly update his followers with images and videos. The comments from his followers seem to reflect their pleasure that he is finally free from captivity and living a more natural life,” she said.
The Star