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Update on the Pilanesberg Elephants
The eight remaining elephants of the initial 17 burnt in the fires that ravaged the Pilanesberg National Park were returned to the park on 7 November 2005 from their temporary holding facilities in Hammanskraal.

Under the watchful eyes of NSPCA Wildlife Unit staff members, Karen Trendler (wildlife expert) and Mike Jamieson, all of the eight elephants were initially making steady, if slow, progress in their recovery. Sadly, the condition of five of these elephants deteriorated as the days passed and, in consultation with a panel of independent veterinarians and the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the decision was taken on individual animals to euthanase and end their suffering.

While the three surviving elephants are gaining strength and appear to be recovering well from their ordeal, they are being carefully monitored for any deterioration to their condition. It is fervently hoped that they will continue on the road to full recovery and have the opportunity of taking up their lives in the wilderness of the Pilanesberg.

NSPCA staff members, Trendler and Jamieson remain on site at the Pilanesberg with the three young elephants.

The NSPCA wishes to thank the North West Parks and Tourism Board and the Pilanesberg staff for their assistance, co-operation and hands-on involvement with the provision of basic requirements for the elephants and in providing overnight accommodation for NSPCA staff. The moral support afforded to staff members by the Pilanesberg is greatly appreciated.