Tswale, the beloved elephant at LowHills Farm in South Africa, has stolen the hearts and devotion of humans around the world. Locally, he is loved as a fully-fledged member of the local community - Tswale is one of us and has every right to remain in his home with his humans, Amos, his handler of more than 2 decades, and his legal owner, Sonell Joubert.

Today, Tswale was forcefully removed from his home at LowHills in the latest horrific episode of an unbelievable saga that has been unfolding for the past few years. This, while his legal owner and devoted human Mom, Sonell, is incarcerated for the death of a volunteer who violently attacked her 2 weeks ago and was found dead 2 days later from as yet unknown causes.

Tswale's story is one of tragedy and triumph, and now his right to a happy, safe life at LowHills is being violated in a collusion between a company that is currently defending their disputed recent ownership of LowHills in court, and 'concerned' organizations with nefarious agendas - supported by the media and people in positions of power who should be called to account for the legality of their actions.

It has the makings of a horror story and the trauma that Tswale and his humans have suffered is beyond reprehensible. Worse, Tswale DESERVES his right to freedom and happiness, following terrible abuse and the tragic death of his sister Modjaji, in their previous life at a neighboring property - KwaMadwala. Evidence has recently emerged on social media of Tswale and Modjaji being chained to a tree -unable to defend themselves or escape when attacked by 3 other elephants. The tragedy resulted in the euthanization of Modjaji, and Tswale and Amos fleeing to LowHillls in August 2022.

Since then, Sonell has fought for their freedom, managed to loan money to pay for Tswale (in full), and insisted that: Tswale NEVER be chained again, ridden by anyone, or be forced to perform tricks. Instead, they have forged a new standard of educational elephant interactions - one that should be applauded and implemented in other areas of tourism, instead of being slandered and hidden! No 2 interactions with Tswale are the same  - after an initial meeting, insight into how amazing elephants are, and opportunity to feed and hug Tswale, he is free to just be an elephant and his guests are privileged to see him swimming in his dam, walking in the bush or even having a dust bath. Many people around the world have taken the time to meet Tswale at LowHills and inform themselves on his current circumstances. Sadly, many of the media, authorities and people complicit in this travesty, have never set foot in Tswale's presence at LowHills. It's an important distinction!

Tswale is a gentle legend, who is an amazing ambassador for his species. He has chosen to leave the norms of elephant tourist traps behind and with the love and support of Amos and Sonell, forge a new path for himself, and potentially for his fellow trained elephants. For the first time, he is happy and free to live a life in which he can have the best of both worlds - enjoy the company of humans, who have become an inextricable part of his life over more than 2 decades , and to immerse himself in the freedom to be a happy elephant... Until this morning.

With Sonell behind bars and unable to defend Tswale against the illegal removal this morning (yes! they were unable to produce the documentation required), Tswale has now also been incarcerated under the guise of 'saving him, and giving him the future he deserves. Except that they are propagating a false narrative to DENY Tswale the amazing life he already has! Ironically, Sonell is currently jailed in the very Police Station she needs to lay a charge of theft at for the illegal removal of her elephant! 

Tswale has rights in addition to the fact that he is a Schedule 1 Specifically Protected wild animal, and because of humans (and their selfish agendas) he has lost enough - it's time for him to be free to live his life in peace, with his humans at LowHills. As his friends and the guardians of our community (yes, that right still lies in the hands of the people) - we have to speak and fight for him NOW - his voice has been silenced - but ours have not! His biggest defender, Sonell, has be wrongly accused. Her hands are tied, but ours are not! Tswale is ONE OF US, and we DEMAND that his rights and the rights of his legal owner, Sonell, be upheld. LET'S BRING TSWALE HOME SAFELY!

Together, we have the power - let's unite and use it for Tswale! 

We call on the following authorities to urgently intervene:
NPA- National Prosecuting Authority
Department of Environmental Affairs
SANPARKs - South African National Parks
MTPA - Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency

Please share this petition around the world, for Tswale to get his world back.