Amidst growing concerns for their welfare, three elephants at Johannesburg Zoo are at the centre of a landmark legal battle as animal rights groups push for their release, invoking cultural heritage rights.

Animal welfare groups in South Africa are taking a zoo to court over the mental well-being of three elephants.

The mental well-being of three elephants in a zoo in South Africa is the subject of an unusual court case, with animal welfare groups saying they are depressed and should be moved…