-
The last remaining Knysna elephant in SANPaks managed forest.
SANParks has encouraged the public to celebrate the presence of Knysna’s last remaining elephant responsibly, by not revealing her location or trying to track her.
SANParks says such actions could harm the elephant as well as those pursuing her.
The sighting of Oupoot on farmland in the Knysna forest last week has gone viral and stirred excitement amongst South Africans.
Both officials and the public have expressed concern for her safety.
SANParks spokesperson Phokela Lebea says over the past few years, they have observed her with discreet, non-invasive camera traps.
“We are asking people as they come across this elephant, not to disclose the exact location, as we’ve had in the past people follow this elephant, track the elephant, and go and camp in the forest without the necessary permits, which is very unfortunate for us. So we’ve over and above us having this precious elephant in our midst, we also want to protect this elephant.”
SANParks has encouraged the public to celebrate the presence of Knysna’s last remaining elephant responsibly, by not revealing her location or trying to track her.
Meanwhile, SANParks is still deciding whether or not to introduce other elephants into the Knysna forest.
