MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 20 OCTOBER 2026
For immediate release
HIGH COURT RULES IN FAVOUR OF THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO TO RETAIN ITS MAJESTIC ELEPHANTS
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) welcomes the High Court’s judgment of 16 October 2026 dismissing the application seeking the release of Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane from the Johannesburg Zoo. The court order was made with no costs to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
The three majestic elephants will remain at the Zoo under its existing valid and lawful permit, with their wellbeing and and that of the 345 animal species and over 1700 specimens, central to the Johannesburg Zoo's responsibilities.
The elephants continue to be closely monitored by their caregivers and the veterinary team based at the Zoo, and are doing well.
JCPZ Managing Director, Thanduxolo Mendrew, said the outcome reinforces the need for sustained, accountable care and conservation education, in line with stringent standards set by the World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).
“Our responsibility to Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane is a daily commitment. It rests with the people who care for them, the professionals who assess their wellbeing and a City that must remain accountable for the animals entrusted to it. JCPZ accepts this judgment with a clear understanding that the welfare of our animals, take precedence and guides our decisions,” said Mendrew.
“For many children and families, the Zoo offers an opportunity to encounter wildlife they may otherwise never see. That encounter carries a wider responsibility: to deepen respect for animals, explain the pressures facing species in the wild and inspire care for the natural world. Accessible conservation learning must be matched by professional animal care,” Mendrew emphasized.
Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero recognised the instrumental contribution of the Zoo’s employees and its role in serving Johannesburg’s communities.
“I recognise the commitment and professionalism of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s elephant-care team, veterinary professionals, educators and support staff, whose work is central to the Zoo’s animal-welfare, conservation and public-education responsibilities.
“The Johannesburg Zoo plays an important role in connecting residents, particularly children and young people, with wildlife and the broader responsibility of protecting the natural environment. This public institution serves our communities, advances conservation awareness and helps shape future generations’ appreciation of our natural heritage and animal husbandry,” said Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero.
JCPZ recognises the public concern for animal welfare surrounding this matter and remains committed to respectful engagement, transparency and continued improvement in the care of the animals at the Zoo.
The courts ruling follows the announcement by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) that South Africa will host the 82nd Annual Conference from 17–21 October 2027. It also follows the Johannesburg Zoo and Zoo Lake Precinct, receiving the prestigious 2026 World Urban Parks- Large Urban Parks Award, for the African continent, presented in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 11 October 2026.
“These milestones recognise the value of our public spaces and the contribution of the people who sustain them. They also call on us to keep improving, so that international recognition is reflected in the quality of care, learning and visitor experiences we provide every day,” said Mendrew.
WAZA’s statement of 29 June 2026 confirmed JCPZ’s membership in good standing and compliance with the requirements of the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare, goals and responsibilities.
JCPZ acknowledges the professional legal team for their immense contribution, and acknowledges its employees, residents and its loyal visitors who support the Johannesburg Zoo to foster eco-awareness in the city.
“Our commitment is to a Zoo that earns public trust through the care it provides and the knowledge it shares. The wellbeing of Lammie, Ramadiba and Mopane will remain at the heart of that commitment,” Mendrew concluded.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Thanduxolo Mendrew
Managing Director
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media enquiries
Jenny Moodley | Spokesperson
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
082 803 0748 | jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
