Coastal elephant at it again
The elephant bull that made an appearance last December along the coast seems to be back again.
The ministry of environment indicated yesterday that two elephants visited the Riverside Equestrian Centre and were on their way to the Rossmund Golf Club.
Romeo Muyunda, the ministry's public relations officer, confirmed the visit.
“Last night, he walked back to the coast through the Swakop River. It has been two weeks after we collared him. This morning, he was found at Long Beach towards Walvis Bay. Our staff members have since stopped him and are trying to guide him back,” Muyunda said.
He said that last week, the elephant made numerous attempts to leave the Omaruru River towards Henties Bay and each time ministry staff drove him back safely to the river.
“It is our intention to guide the elephant back to the Omaruru River. Alternatively, we will capture him should there be a need. We urge the people to stay clear of the elephant as the authorities work towards returning him to the Omaruru River.”
The elephant, who visited AfriCat's Okonjima Lodge near Otjiwarongo last year, surprised holidaymakers the day before Christmas with his presence at the coast.
He was lured inland with food and water and has been closely monitored since.
The elephant walked through Klein Spitzkoppe, returned to the coast and eventually settled at the Omaruru River.
The ministry wanted to move the elephant to the Erindi Private Game Reserve near Omaruru, but a decision was later made to equip him with a collar.
Leandrea Louw
The ministry of environment indicated yesterday that two elephants visited the Riverside Equestrian Centre and were on their way to the Rossmund Golf Club.
Romeo Muyunda, the ministry's public relations officer, confirmed the visit.
“Last night, he walked back to the coast through the Swakop River. It has been two weeks after we collared him. This morning, he was found at Long Beach towards Walvis Bay. Our staff members have since stopped him and are trying to guide him back,” Muyunda said.
He said that last week, the elephant made numerous attempts to leave the Omaruru River towards Henties Bay and each time ministry staff drove him back safely to the river.
“It is our intention to guide the elephant back to the Omaruru River. Alternatively, we will capture him should there be a need. We urge the people to stay clear of the elephant as the authorities work towards returning him to the Omaruru River.”
The elephant, who visited AfriCat's Okonjima Lodge near Otjiwarongo last year, surprised holidaymakers the day before Christmas with his presence at the coast.
He was lured inland with food and water and has been closely monitored since.
The elephant walked through Klein Spitzkoppe, returned to the coast and eventually settled at the Omaruru River.
The ministry wanted to move the elephant to the Erindi Private Game Reserve near Omaruru, but a decision was later made to equip him with a collar.
Leandrea Louw
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