For Duma the elephant, life has never tasted so sweet. After 40 years in captivity, including 20 years working in a circus, this solitary African elephant is finally free and has arrived at his forever home at the Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa.
Duma has been released into his first natural area at Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
“He is a very curious, incredibly intelligent, strong-willed, resilient, and brave elephant,” Megan Carr, senior researcher and lead of the Towards Freedom program at The EMS Foundation, told The Epoch Times.
The EMS Foundation learned of Landa’s death and grew increasingly concerned about the welfare of Duma. The founding members of the Pro Elephant Network (PREN), who were also part of The EMS Foundation, decided to voice their concerns.
Two months later, a change.org petition was launched to free the solitary pachyderm from the zoo. Carr said the minister asked the administrators of the zoo in March 2021 to “open a discussion” with The EMS Foundation and members of the PREN.
The 3.5-ton crate arrives at the zoo to evacuate Duma, who weighed approximately 5.5 tons. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
Duma walks into the crate on July 24, 2024. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
“[He] surprised everyone by entering the crate bravely and entirely on the second day,” Carr said.
Dr. Frank Goertiz from Four Paws International checks on Duma as the truck prepares to move the crate from the zoo. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
After four decades, the rescued jumbo was making the three-hour journey to freedom. And, defying the beliefs of some who believed he would pass away during the evacuation process, he reached Shambala safely.
Duma reverses out of his crate into his temporary enclosure at Shambala. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
“There is a marked difference between Shambala and the zoo,” Carr said. “Long gone are the traffic noises, noises of the parties, and events held at the zoo with loud music.”
The elephant enjoys living in an area free from human eyes with a space all of his own and a level of privacy he hasn’t enjoyed in decades. And he is steadily adapting to this new environment.
Carr says Duma “quickly became accustomed” to the sounds of his natural surroundings at Shambala. Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
After arriving at Shambala, Duma took his first mud bath in forty years. He also began foraging for his own food, something that he hadn’t had to do at the zoo or circus. Carr has also witnessed him rumble and make trumpeting noises, which she never saw him do at the zoo.
Courtesy of The Elizabeth Margaret Steyn Foundation
A member of the PREN, Carr is dedicated to elephants and their well-being. She has served at The EMS Foundation since 2019. During Duma’s last four years at the zoo, she visited him regularly, and since July 22 of this year, she has been with him daily.