South Africa's last three elephants in a traditional zoo await their fate

Rights groups are asking a court to release three elephants from the Johannesburg Zoo so they can live their lives in a sanctuary, arguing that their continued confinement is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Senior researcher and Lead on the EMS Foundation Towards Freedom Programme said the EMS tried to negotiate for the freedom of the elephants by discussing it with the zoo and also with the City of Johannesburg, but they were not interested.

There are three applicants, the EMS Foundation, Animal Law Reform South Africa, and Chief Stephen Fritz who have asked the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Zoo, to release the elephants into a more natural area. The ruling on the case is expected sometime in August 2026.