This press release was sent to me by the Knysna Elephant Park in response to my query regarding their appearance in the The Knysna-Plett Herald today:
We are writing to you in connection with allegations made against the Knysna Elephant Park in May 2014.
It has come to our attention that stories relating to this issue and legal matters associated with it are again surfacing. In this regard, we would like to make sure the media are provided with the facts that surround this matter:
Due to these allegations and the social media hype associated with these press releases, the Park was essentially tried by social media and the good name and reputation of a facility that has dedicated 21 years to elephant care was tarnished through unfounded allegations.
These are the issues-
- First and foremost, we would like to emphasise that no formal charges were ever laid against the Park in this regard.
- In addition to this, we are now able to publicise the announcement by the Director of Public Prosecutions (31st of August 2015), that there is no cause for these allegations to be upheld. They see no reason, nor evidence, that the case be pursued further.
For more than two decades, the Park’s primary objective has been to offer elephants in need the chance of a better home; and we have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal.
We are saddened by the damage that these unsubstantiated allegations have caused to the Park’s reputation. However, we have never faltered from the belief that the Knysna Elephant Park is an example of how a responsible and best practice facility should be run; and that the welfare of our elephants comes before all else. We thank all our supporters who stood by us and we are proud to see that one of the top legal offices in the country has verified that any allegations made against us are unfounded.
Knysna Elephant Park management
