Camp Jabulani in the Kapama Private Game Reserve has decided to completely phase out elephant-back safaris by April next year.
“The increasing international pressure against elephant-back safaris, because of the abusive way in which, sadly, a portion of the animals are trained, promoted the decision,” Camp Jabulani said in a statement. “Based on our approach to animal welfare issues, we are in agreement with the negative sentiments relevant to abusive methods of training.”
The company said it would adapt its management plan to phase out the elephant-back rides, but would retain other forms of interaction with the elephants “to create public awareness of the plight of these animals”. The Elephant Experience will evolve into an interactive and observational one, allowing guests to view them close up while they are in their natural environment.
According to Camp Jabulani, its herd consists of 12 elephants that were orphaned after culling in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. The elephants were rescued in 2002 by the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. “We built Camp Jabulani and structured its unique offering around the elephants in order to sustain them and keep them alive.” The company added that the elephant-back safaris were a continuation of what the elephants were trained to do in Zimbabwe.
“Our model of training has always been based on positive reinforcement, and no animal in our care has ever been physically or spiritually abused in any way,” said Camp Jabulani. “We abhor any practice that removes an animal from the wild for the purpose of commercial gain, as well as the harmful treatment of any living being.” The company added that it was thankful that the world was acquiring greater respect for the animal kingdom and committed to be part of the positive change.
