South Africa’s last remaining zoo elephant has been returned to the wild after 40 years in captivity 🥹

Charlie was just two years old when he was taken from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park to perform in a circus.

He was eventually moved to South Africa’s national zoo, where concerns were raised by animal welfare groups regarding his well-being.

During his time at the zoo, Charlie reportedly witnessed the deaths of four other elephants, including his own calf.

The South African National Biodiversity Institute, which manages the zoo, denied that Charlie was exhibiting signs of distress.

“We have been working tirelessly to end the loneliness of Charlie,” said Four Paws CEO Josef Pfabigan.

Charlie’s new home is a vast 10,000-hectare reserve that supports a thriving population of elephants.