WATCH: Picket calls for the release of Lammie the elephant from Joburg Zoo, City Parks responds

Update, 20 September, 2pm

Spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Jenny Moodley said in response to the protest, “JCPZ appeals to residents to please afford the entity the latitude to carry out a full assessment, to ensure that an informed decision is made – to benefit Lammie.”

Read below for more details on the story.

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Update, 20 September, 12.30pm

A lawful picket is underway outside the Johannesburg Zoo today, 20 September, as a call to release Lammie the elephant into a wildlife sanctuary. Sandton Chronicle journalist, Sarah Koning is on scene to capture the action.

A number of activists have gathered outside the Joburg Zoo picketing to free Lammie the elephant @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/UINBQOSwel — Sarah Koning (@SarahKingon) September 20, 2018

Protesters have gathered on Jan Smuts Avenue to call for Lammie the elephant to be released from the Joburg Zoo @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/lP8mk2PjtP — Sarah Koning (@SarahKingon) September 20, 2018

Earlier, 20 September, 10.30am

Boycott Divestment Sanction South Africa (BDS South Africa) has released a statement to advise the public that a picket will be taking place outside the Joburg Zoo today, 20 September, at 12pm.

BDS South Africa is a human rights and Palestine solidarity organisation and staff members will participate in the lawful picket as a call to release Lammie the 39-year-old elephant from the zoo.

“Animal welfare and elephant experts are calling for the lone elephant to be released into a wild reserve where she can roam free and bond with a herd,” the statement read.

BDS South Africa also highlighted that Lammie’s companion, Kinkel, recently passed away at the zoo.

“As sentient beings reliant on family bonds, elephants in captivity display behavioral abnormalities, suffer from diseases, disabilities and have notably shorter life spans.

“The EMS Foundation has offered to find a suitable sanctuary for Lammie and to cover all the costs of her relocation. The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) says it is opposed to keeping elephants in captivity citing their 2015 report which stated that nearly all captive elephants suffer welfare deficiencies.”

The statement further expressed that although the picket is not a BDS South Africa event, the organisation does support their staff members and supporters who choose to take part.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Picket in support of Lammie the 39 year old elephant at Joburg Zoo Staff of the human rights & Palestine solidarity organization BDS SA will participate in a lawful picket at the JHB Zoo tomorrow (Thurs 20 Sept) at lunchtime (12h00). pic.twitter.com/St6kQ49P0Z — #Africa4Palestine (@Africa4Pal) September 19, 2018

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