Rotary Club of Waterfront hosts online meeting with wildlife researcher

24 Members and crew logged on to our meeting last Friday, together with our guest speaker Megan Carr and regular visitors Paula Kingham and Rebekka Sandmeier. The pre-meeting banter focused on many things, but the Saturday Rugby match Australia vs South Africa was central to discussion. Bosun Spiro called the meeting to order prompty at 07:00.

Guest speaker Megan Carr from the EMS Foundation is introduced to discuss animal and child welfare

James Liddell introduced our guest speaker Megan Carr a researcher with the EMS Foundation, who is involved in various initiatives to promote the rights of wild animals and children in South Africa. Megan emphasized the foundation’s focus on social justice, including their efforts to build schools and support children’s welfare, while also discussing their litigation efforts for the release of elephants from captivity.

The EMS Foundation was established by Tjaart and Louis Steyn and named in honour and recognition of their mother Elizabeth Margaret Steyn.

Charlie the elephant’s difficult journey into captivity began decades ago

The elephant, named Charlie, was captured in 1984 from Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park when he was two years old. He was taken to Boswell Wilkie Circus in South Africa and trained to perform tricks. In the early 2000s he was transferred to the country’s national zoo.

Litigation and negotiation secure freedom for captive elephants

Megan presented on the EMS Foundation’s advocacy for social justice, focusing on the welfare of wild animals, children, and the elderly in South Africa. She detailed the foundation’s successful litigation for the release of elephants from captivity and the challenges faced during negotiations with zoo administrators, underscoring the importance of public support. Megan provided insights into the rehabilitation of elephants, including the transition of Charlie from captivity to a natural reserve, and the logistical challenges involved in his transport and acclimatization.

Duma’s rewilding is a careful process of adaptation and monitoring

Megan also shared the ongoing efforts for Duma’s rewilding, highlighting his gradual adaptation to a larger habitat and the use of advanced monitoring technology to ensure his well-being. She shared updates on a major elephant conservation project that aims to address the issues of captivity in South Africa, advocating for constructive dialogue over litigation.

A global project aims to free elephants and inspire change

Megan also provided insights into a significant elephant conservation project, noting the collaboration with teams from New York and Germany. She expressed the project’s challenges, particularly in negotiating with parties resistant to change, and underscored the importance of freeing elephants from captivity. The project has garnered global interest, leading to the creation of scientific papers and a documentary.

A future visual presentation on Duma’s journey is promised

Megan has indicated that she will be willing to return to RC Waterfront to provide a visual, detailed presentation on Duma’s journey from captivity to freedom. Spiro Mitchell will liaise with Megan regarding her visit to the club.