Duma the Elephant Finds His Forever Home After 40 Years in Circus and Zoo
33 Video Views·Oct 31, 2024
After 40 years in captivity, Duma, the last elephant at the Pretoria Zoo, finally finds his freedom. Originally named Charlie, he was renamed to honor his strength and resilience. Captured as a young calf in Zimbabwe, Duma lived in the zoo until the death of his companion, Landa, in 2020, which raised concerns for his well-being.
With support from the Elizabeth Margaret Steyn (EMS) Foundation, Duma was retired in 2023 and transported to Shambala in a custom crate. Emerging into a lush, new environment, he is ready to embrace his long-awaited freedom. Duma's journey serves as a symbol of hope for all elephants in captivity and underscores the commitment to their liberation.
For Duma the elephant, life has never tasted so sweet.
After 40 long years in captivity, including two decades in a circus,
this solitary African elephant has finally found freedom.
Originally named Charlie, Duma was given his new name by his rescuers.
One they feel is suitable and respectful.
Duma means to be dominating and thunder-like,
according to the Elizabeth Margaret Stein EMS Foundation.
He's a curious, intelligent, strong-willed, resilient and brave elephant,
becoming more elephant-like every day.
Born in 1982 in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe,
Duma was captured at age two and trained for circus life in South Africa in 1984.
He lived at the Pretoria Zoo until his evacuation on August 19th this year.
He used to share an enclosure with a female African elephant named
Landa when he was at the zoo.
After Landa died prematurely in October 2020, concerns for Duma's well-being grew.
The EMS Foundation reached out to South Africa's then-Minister of Forestry,
urging Duma's release into the care of animal protection organizations.
In March 2021, the minister asked the zoo to
This negotiation stretched until July 2024,
culminating in the government's decision to retire Duma.
In May 2023, a tender process was launched to find Duma a suitable retirement home.
The EMS Foundation submitted a detailed report on his health and welfare.
After four decades, Duma's journey to freedom began.
Despite doubts, he bravely entered the crate on the second day.
Against all odds, Duma arrived safely, ready to embrace his new life.
He reversed out of his crate the moment it was positioned in front of his enclosure,
an act of sheer courage.
At Shambhala, Duma finds peace and solitude, finally free from the chaos of his past.
Here, he can be the elephant he was always meant to be.
Duma's story brings hope for all elephants trapped in captivity,
and for all the people striving to free them.