On 27 June 2022 I published an article on three elephants living at the Johannesburg Zoo. What happened to Lammie, Mopani & Ramadiba after this date?
Children’s books portray elephants as huge, cuddly, friendly animals
that you can keep next to your child’s bed at night. These animals are wild,
huge, not cuddly, not cute, definitely not something to play with. The one in
the picture is obviously created for your adorable child, who is probably
sitting comfortably on your lap, to enjoy. This painting creates an impression
of a pink elephant at a kid’s party with a silly three-pointed hat on who is enjoying
cupcakes! Pink elephants – that is what makes this story so …
That is the reason why elephants and other wild creatures such as snakes,
baboons, rhinos and more are kept behind bars. They are wild. They are
dangerous. And we, the human species are their biggest enemy.
Elephants are huge, powerful and they will wipe their arse off on you
When you are in the wild, you are trespassing on their territory and not the other way round. This piece of wisdom is practical and coming from a client of mine who was once chased by an elephant; you don’t stop your car, get out of it and start a civilized conversation. You are the intruder and you back off. A tame elephant is still a wild beast!Chief Stephen Fritz, a community leader and the third applicant in the
matter, notes:
“We are the first People of South Africa, and, in our
view, imprisoning our sacred Elephants, so named, Lammie, Mopane and Ramadiba
showcases the past and the present will to humiliate and disrespect our culture
and our heritage. For many years I have
felt ashamed and powerless: I am, therefore, relieved that a large number of
experts and scientists have united, bringing
together a wealth of knowledge to offer these Elephants a powerful defence. Today, we are
experiencing the results of climate change which include droughts and fires,
for the sake of all South Africans we need to show respect towards our Rain
Makers and Healers the Elephants.” [source: https://emsfoundation.org.za/category/towards-freedom-project/] [emphasis added].
A powerful defence on behalf of elephants in Johannesburg Zoo! Applicants
legal team is high-powered and so is the team for the Respondents. The experts
on behalf of the elephants are highly qualified. And I expect that the experts
on behalf of the Zoo will be just as highly qualified.
This is an impressive story and it will attract a tough, vigorous response
from the Respondent; I am intrigued by this lot. My very first reaction was,
that this application is somewhat wild, novel and surely somewhat whimsical!
Then I started reading the papers and I changed my mind; they might have an arguable
case. Good luck to them. It seems as if there is an international trend in
respect of similar matters.
What is going to happen? If the matter is decided one way or the other,
the one party will claim victory for justice’s sake while the other will …
well, let’s wait and see. Well, looking back on my career as a practising
lawyer, the other party will claim that they were denied a proper trial and
that there is no justice in this country of ours – it is a probable scenario
that is waiting to play out. Oh yes, and to top it all, the judge got it all
wrong!
I am in contact with the Applicants and I am waiting on their reply to
my e-letter. When I know more, you will know more. Stay tuned.
Please write me your story about your interaction with these stately
animals: neelscoertse@wirelessza.co.za
