The National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has requested that the Fairy Glen Nature Reserve provide its nature conservation permit and licence after learning of an approximately 43-year-old elephant bull who has been in solitary confinement since 2008.
Also read: NSPCA reveals illegal confinement, questionable care of Fairy Glen lions
The reserve also made headlines earlier this year when three lions were left suffering from severe burns caused by raging fires in the Western Cape in February.
The NSPCA stated that almost four months later, CapeNature has yet to respond regarding the reserve’s compliance with nature conservation and animal exhibition.
The NSPCA has therefore submitted an application/request to CapeNature under the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA).
‘We shall seek information about the compliance status, as well as Cape Nature’s dealings with Fairy Glen,’ said the organisation.
‘The welfare of the bull is at risk, with the NSPCA-appointed veterinarian noted muscle atrophy, which requires a specialised diet. The NSPCA has confirmation from Fairy Glen that the elephant is not receiving any supplements with its food and that the private facility relies on donations from the public to sustain the elephant’s feeding.’
‘The elephant only receives lucerne, vegetables, hay, and spekboom. Cape Nature has an obligation thanks to the NSPCA’s previous high court litigation, to consider welfare in its decision-making regarding the anima.’
The NSPCA said it will not condone the blatant exploitation of animals.
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Picture: Pexels
