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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - An African elephant escaped death last week after Mount Camdeboo Game Reserve outside Graaff-Reinet partnered with the bull's owners, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, and a conservation task team to prohibit the animal from being shot.
According to a statement by Mount Camdeboo, the elephant had escaped his home at an Eastern Cape reserve for the second time last week, and wandered across neighbouring farms and roads towards Mount Camdeboo.
The elephant was flagged to be killed, as it was roaming close to roads and neighbouring farms, which could pose a threat to people, as well as nearby properties.
However, the large bull, which is approximately 20 to 25 years old, appeared to be calm and relaxed.
It was decided by a task team that it would be in the animal's best interested to be relocated to Mount Camdeboo. The team comprising of Dereck Milburn of the Aspinall Foundation, wildlife veterinarian dr William Fowlds, expert of the Elephant Reintegration Trust Brett Mitchell, and protected area and conservation specialist Peter Chadwick.
The Eastern Cape’s Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, issued the relocation permit within a short time.
The animal will soon be immobilised via aerial darting. On arrival at its new home, Fowlds, his veterinary team, Conservation Solutions, and a helicopter will be on standby for a period of up to 24 hours to monitor the elephant’s condition during and after the translocation.
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The animal will also be fitted with a satellite-tracking collar, for the constant monitoring of the bull as it settles into its new environment. The bull is said to join a small herd of elephants already on the property.
"Despite this rescue plan, it is however recognised by all that this is an extremely complex operation with multiple risks still posing a threat to the elephant’s survival," the game reserve said.
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