Riff Raff, a six-tonne bull elephant known for knocking down fences and trampling farmland, has been saved from death thanks to activists.
The six-tonne mammal has been facing a possible death sentence for knocking down fences and trampling on farmland near South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park.
But thanks to activists’ intervention, the elephant has been given another chance.
“Riff Raff is fitted with a satellite telemetry collar so this is a collar that is around his neck and that collar actually works remotely with the satellite and we are able to see where Riff Raff is in space and time, on an hourly basis. So that collar actually ensures Riff Raff’s safety and his survival because we can see where he is and we can take proactive measures to keep him safe.”
Humane Society International Wildlife Director, Audrey Delsink
Many communities living in areas where elephants roam complain about damage to their land.
But activists say it’s natural for the animals – regarded as a vulnerable species – to roam.
The global population of elephants has shrunk to 415,000 from 10 million in the last century, mainly due to ivory poaching and a loss of habitat because of human settlement.