The National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has called upon the Fairy Glen Nature Reserve to furnish its nature conservation permit and license under the Performing Animals Protection Act 24 of 1935.
This action follows the NSPCA’s discovery of a 43-year-old elephant bull kept in solitary confinement since 2008.
The reserve gained attention earlier this year when three lions suffered severe burns during wildfires in the Western Cape in February.
Despite nearly four months passing, CapeNature, responsible for overseeing compliance with nature conservation and animal exhibition laws, has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Fairy Glen’s adherence to regulations.
The NSPCA expressed concern about the elephant’s welfare, noting muscle atrophy that necessitates a specialized diet. Fairy Glen admits to relying on public donations to sustain the elephant’s feeding, providing only lucerne, vegetables, hay, and spekboom.
CapeNature, prompted by NSPCA’s prior legal action, is obligated to consider animal welfare in its decision-making regarding the elephant.
The NSPCA reiterated its stance against animal exploitation and vowed to pursue further action to ensure compliance and the welfare of animals.