PETITION TO FREE JOBURG ZOO ELEPHANTS

An application is currently before the High Court in Pretoria to free three elephants that are in captivity in the Johannesburg Zoo.

The elephants in question are Lammie, Mopane and Ramdiba.

The application is brought by the EMS Foundation, Animal Law Reform South Africa, and Chief Stephen Fritz.

Now, the case has caught the eye of international students at Harvard University in the United States.

The legal scholars from Harvard Law School have stepped forward to show their support for the case in which the applicants argue that keeping the elephants in the Johannesburg Zoo violates South Africa’s Constitution.

According to the application, the three elephants are confined in conditions that compromise their mental, emotional and physical well-being, amounting to a state of significant distress.

Daily Maverick reports that Section 24 of the Constitution states that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures.

The Johannesburg Zoo has pushed back, saying the elephants receive adequate care and attention. The case is ongoing.

Image credit: EMS Foundation