Let "Elephant Alone" Be Told: Urge SANParks to Reinstate Access for This Vital Documentary
Let "Elephant Alone" Be Told: Urge SANParks to Reinstate Access for This Vital Documentary
The Issue
Let Elephant Alone Be Told
For years, the last remaining elephant in the Knysna forest has roamed alone—a powerful symbol of survival, conservation, and the fragile balance between wildlife and human impact. She is the only free-roaming (unfenced) elephant in South Africa and the southernmost elephant in Africa. And she is alone.
This is a unique and vital story that deserves to be told.
Since 2017, we have been working on “Elephant Alone”, a documentary that captures her story and the broader message it carries—one of history, resilience, and conservation. Initially, SANParks supported this project, granting access and collaborating with us. But without warning or explanation, they have now blocked all access, denied our permit applications, and refused to engage with us.
This is about more than just a film—it’s about transparency, conservation, and ensuring that history is not erased. We need your voice to help us complete this story. We need SANParks to reinstate access so that this important documentary can be completed.
A Crucial Clarification
We have never and do not intend to track this elephant or cause her unnecessary stress. Our documentary does not involve following or locating her. If we were to see her, it would be purely by chance. SANParks is fully aware of this and knows we respect the importance of minimizing human impact.
Our goal is simply to film in key areas of the forest that are integral to this story and to document the decisions SANParks and other stakeholders make regarding her future. We also seek to engage with SANParks staff, as we have done from the start, and to interview those who have played a role in this history.
Why This Matters
- “Elephant Alone” is not a commercial project; it is a conservation-driven documentary aimed at educating a global audience and preserving an irreplaceable part of South Africa’s history. Any revenue generated by the film will go toward running “The Connect Foundation”, the nonprofit arm of Black Bean Productions.
- SANParks’ decision contradicts their own mission to educate, conserve, and promote awareness of our natural world.
- Blocking the film’s completion silences an important conservation story that could inspire global awareness and action.
- Transparency is crucial. Why was access revoked without explanation? If SANParks can arbitrarily deny filmmakers access to tell stories of national importance, what other vital stories will go untold?
What We Are Asking For
We simply request that SANParks:
1. Reinstate access to allow “Elephant Alone” to be completed under the same ethical, conservation-driven approach that was initially agreed upon.
2. Provide a clear explanation for why our permit applications have been denied after years of collaboration. The vague reasoning that we have “already filmed in the forest” is insufficient. This is an evolving story that requires continued coverage.
3. Commit to fair and transparent permitting processes that do not arbitrarily block conservation-driven storytelling.
How You Can Help
- Sign this petition to urge SANParks to allow “Elephant Alone” to be completed.
- Share this petition—every voice matters!
- Tag SANParks on social media and ask them directly why they are blocking this important documentary.
This Is Bigger Than One Film
This is about the future of conservation storytelling in South Africa. It is about protecting fragile ecosystems, preserving keystone species, and ensuring that local extinction stories are told, not buried.
We want to inspire global awareness and encourage action—big and small—to drive real change. Film has the power to reach critical mass, and we believe this story can make a significant impact in the real world.
Our Commitment & Concerns
We have done nothing unethical or illegal. We have interviewed a diverse range of voices and have always aimed to portray SANParks' work positively. Over 12 years, we have built a strong reputation in conservation and humanitarian filmmaking, working with organizations across Africa to tell important stories with integrity.
Yet, we find ourselves denied access in our own country—while being welcomed to tell similar stories elsewhere.
We have always offered SANParks the opportunity to review teasers, trailers, and different phases of the documentary. In the past, they praised our work and acknowledged its impact. Now, we receive threats and accusations of illegal activity—despite our adherence to ethical practices—while SANParks collaborates with individuals who have filmed the elephant illegally.
We are truly confused.
Help Us Tell This Story Before It’s Too Late
With huge gratitude for any and all support
Black Bean Productions & The Connect Foundation
Websites
@blackbeanproductions
@jamessuter
@elephantalone
#LetElephantAloneBeTold
9
The Issue
Let Elephant Alone Be Told
For years, the last remaining elephant in the Knysna forest has roamed alone—a powerful symbol of survival, conservation, and the fragile balance between wildlife and human impact. She is the only free-roaming (unfenced) elephant in South Africa and the southernmost elephant in Africa. And she is alone.
This is a unique and vital story that deserves to be told.
Since 2017, we have been working on “Elephant Alone”, a documentary that captures her story and the broader message it carries—one of history, resilience, and conservation. Initially, SANParks supported this project, granting access and collaborating with us. But without warning or explanation, they have now blocked all access, denied our permit applications, and refused to engage with us.
This is about more than just a film—it’s about transparency, conservation, and ensuring that history is not erased. We need your voice to help us complete this story. We need SANParks to reinstate access so that this important documentary can be completed.
A Crucial Clarification
We have never and do not intend to track this elephant or cause her unnecessary stress. Our documentary does not involve following or locating her. If we were to see her, it would be purely by chance. SANParks is fully aware of this and knows we respect the importance of minimizing human impact.
Our goal is simply to film in key areas of the forest that are integral to this story and to document the decisions SANParks and other stakeholders make regarding her future. We also seek to engage with SANParks staff, as we have done from the start, and to interview those who have played a role in this history.
Why This Matters
- “Elephant Alone” is not a commercial project; it is a conservation-driven documentary aimed at educating a global audience and preserving an irreplaceable part of South Africa’s history. Any revenue generated by the film will go toward running “The Connect Foundation”, the nonprofit arm of Black Bean Productions.
- SANParks’ decision contradicts their own mission to educate, conserve, and promote awareness of our natural world.
- Blocking the film’s completion silences an important conservation story that could inspire global awareness and action.
- Transparency is crucial. Why was access revoked without explanation? If SANParks can arbitrarily deny filmmakers access to tell stories of national importance, what other vital stories will go untold?
What We Are Asking For
We simply request that SANParks:
1. Reinstate access to allow “Elephant Alone” to be completed under the same ethical, conservation-driven approach that was initially agreed upon.
2. Provide a clear explanation for why our permit applications have been denied after years of collaboration. The vague reasoning that we have “already filmed in the forest” is insufficient. This is an evolving story that requires continued coverage.
3. Commit to fair and transparent permitting processes that do not arbitrarily block conservation-driven storytelling.
How You Can Help
- Sign this petition to urge SANParks to allow “Elephant Alone” to be completed.
- Share this petition—every voice matters!
- Tag SANParks on social media and ask them directly why they are blocking this important documentary.
This Is Bigger Than One Film
This is about the future of conservation storytelling in South Africa. It is about protecting fragile ecosystems, preserving keystone species, and ensuring that local extinction stories are told, not buried.
We want to inspire global awareness and encourage action—big and small—to drive real change. Film has the power to reach critical mass, and we believe this story can make a significant impact in the real world.
Our Commitment & Concerns
We have done nothing unethical or illegal. We have interviewed a diverse range of voices and have always aimed to portray SANParks' work positively. Over 12 years, we have built a strong reputation in conservation and humanitarian filmmaking, working with organizations across Africa to tell important stories with integrity.
Yet, we find ourselves denied access in our own country—while being welcomed to tell similar stories elsewhere.
We have always offered SANParks the opportunity to review teasers, trailers, and different phases of the documentary. In the past, they praised our work and acknowledged its impact. Now, we receive threats and accusations of illegal activity—despite our adherence to ethical practices—while SANParks collaborates with individuals who have filmed the elephant illegally.
We are truly confused.
Help Us Tell This Story Before It’s Too Late
With huge gratitude for any and all support
Black Bean Productions & The Connect Foundation
Websites
@blackbeanproductions
@jamessuter
@elephantalone
#LetElephantAloneBeTold
9
Petition Updates
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Petition created on 20 February 2025