Thandora has been in captivity for 23 years. When her companion recently died at the zoo, it was determined that she needs a more suitable home, where she could form part of a herd. Gondwana Game Reserve was sought out for this historic relocation, as it provides a suitable herd and environment for Thandora, as well as the facilities to support her transition.
It is apparently the first time in South Africa that an elephant is relocated into the wild, after being in captivity for such a long time.
Thandora arrived at Gondwana during the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, 6 March. According to reserve owner Mark Rutherford, the move facilitated by veterinary experts, such as Dr Brendan Tindall, went exceptionally well. She is still on tranquillisers, which will keep her calm and relaxed for up to five days.
"Thandora settled in nicely and we are positive that she will adapt well to her new environment," Rutherford told the Advertiser on Wednesday.
Currently in the holding boma, her diet will be adapted from captive-based food, such as fruits, vegetables, bread and lucern, to natural forage.
Another critical challenge will be improving her muscle-tone and fitness needed for joining the existing herd at Gondwana.
"Thandora has spent more than 20 years in an enclosure of half a hectare and when she joins the herd, they will want to show her every corner of the reserve. These treks can cover up to 15km a day," Rutherford explained.
Although there is still much fitness work for Thandora ahead before her release into the reserve, he complimented the Bloemfontein Zoo for having done much-needed preparation in this regard.
Thandora's relocation is a joint venture between Gondwana Game Reserve, the Bloemfontein Zoo and Conservation Global and therefore, a group of researchers, currently based at the reserve, will closely monitor Thandora's progress.
"We are taking lots of data and plan on releasing this, in order to pave the way for other relocations of this nature," Rutherford said.
Although Thandora is set to determine her own pace towards her final release, Rutherford expressed the hope that this will be between six to eight weeks.
Thandora is loaded by a team of experts facilitating her relocation. Photo: Supplied
ARTICLE: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
