The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) confirms that Tswale, the captive elephant, was translocated from Lowhills Farm to a place of safety and care on 21st February 2025. This translocation complied with a court order from the Mbombela High Court, which directed the MTPA to remove the elephant from the property.
Technical expertise and financial support were provided by WeWild Africa, the Aspinall Foundation and Pro Vet Wildlife Services. Tswale was accompanied by his lifelong caregiver Mr. Amos Jivendava to ensure he was as comfortable as possible during the process. He is currently at a veterinary facility where he will undergo a quarantine period. Tswale will then be moved to an already identified and confirmed nature reserve where he can live a wild, free life with another herd of elephants after undergoing a rewilding process with the support of his handler Mr. Amos Jivendava
“We are happy that the elephant has finally been translocated to a place of safety where he will be with another herd of wild elephants. MTPA would like to thank everyone involved in helping us to make this operation a success,” said MTPA's Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Justus Mohlala.
MTPA will continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure that Tswale settles well in the identified place of safety and is eventually, after the period of quarantined to be translocated to the identified park.
