Hope for Johannesburg Zoo’s Three Elephants as High Court Hearing Set for May

Long campaign reaches legal stage

Advocates, elephant specialists, conservationists and legal teams have spent years pushing for improved welfare for the three elephants. The campaign to free Lammie began in 2019 when thirteen globally recognised elephant specialists wrote to the Johannesburg Zoo in support of her release. That same year the NSPCA resigned from the zoo’s Animal Ethics Committee after the zoo acquired Ramadiba and Mopane from an Eastern Cape wildlife reserve.

Legal action and the parties involved

In 2022, Animal Law Reform South Africa, the EMS Foundation and Chief Stephen Fritz, represented by Cullinan and Associates, launched a High Court application seeking the elephants’ relocation to a suitable sanctuary.

Evidence and expert concerns

The application is backed by expert affidavits and welfare reports compiled from observations over several years. Concerns raised by specialists include limited shade, insufficient space, inadequate natural enrichment, safety risks around fencing and very little observed socialisation between the three elephants.

A report based on observations in October 2025 highlighted welfare issues and stated:

“Depression, especially for Lammie and, to some extent, Ramadiba, was evidenced by stereotypy, lack of activity, and listlessness. Lammie appears to be especially immobile as she stays close to the water trough near the boma for much of the day. This spot is the only shade available to them, and Lammie takes advantage of this.”

The report also questioned feeding and nutrition, noting that fresh browse was not consistently observed. Safety concerns included parts of the enclosure where Mopane was able to extend her trunk, creating potential risks for elephants and visitors.

Zoo response and differing views

The Johannesburg Zoo has maintained that the elephants are properly cared for and has argued that relocation would not be in their best interests, particularly in Lammie’s case. The zoo has also said the legal action is driven by ideology rather than welfare concerns.

Duma’s case cited as precedent

Supporters of the application point to the case of Duma formerly known as Charlie who was relocated in August 2024 to a bespoke rehabilitation centre at Shambala Private Game Reserve in Limpopo. Since his move Duma has been browsing, swimming, mud wallowing and walking long distances and has been monitored in a protected, non-public environment. Reports note he has come within 110 metres of the resident elephants on the reserve.

What’s next

The Gauteng High Court hearing on 19–21 May 2026 will consider the evidence and arguments about whether Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane should be moved to a sanctuary where advocates say their physical, emotional and social needs can be better met. The case has attracted long-term involvement from welfare organisations, veterinarians, scientists and legal teams.