Howdy John - the situation of the three elephants in Botswana is a bit different from "captivity". Doug and Sandi Groves run an organisation called Grey Matters and a foundation Living With Elephants (LWE), an adjunct to this is an opportunity for tourists to walk out with the three semi-habituated elephants (named Jabu, Thembi and Morula). I have been on this experience twice, once in 2005 and again (returning to this area specificlly for this purpose) in August 2008. It is an interesting and educative session. Doug Groves lives rough, out bush with the trio. The wellbeing and quality of life of the three elephant are his absolute focus. They are not "captive" per se, they sleep in a boma overnight, receive veterinary care and they wander the bush during the day to browse, wallow and do what what elephants do. They are guarded however, and supplement feeding occurs. I know that the Groves are conflicted in that they are, by association, part of an industry that has in other areas - a terrible record in the capture of wild elephants for entertainment/tourism purposes. Conversations I had by email with Sandi a year or so ago following our first visit convinced me that the Grove's operation is ethical.

The Elephants Jabu and Thembi are survivors of a South African cull (1988) and Morula (and her now deceased brother Zorba) survived a Zimbabwe cull 18 years ago (? or so) - Zorba's subsequent death was a decison made and carried out by park authorities because he killed 7 white rhinos at the park - Morula was terribly traumatised by the death of her family - being part of this small herd with Jabu and Thembi has helped her enourmously in her recovery. Jabu, Thembi and Morula are alive today by the Groves intervention and preparedness to care for them, adopting them out of situations of abuse and inappropriate living conditions - they did not aquire the elephants as direct "orphans" from the culling but rescued them later.
A brief story of their lives and how they came to be in Botswana is on the website http://www.livingwithelephants.org/visit.htm

Living with Elephants foundation has, at its heart, education and programmes designed to intercede in Human / Elephant conflict. Each year local Batswana children are hosted at the nearby tourist camp and provided with a special programme and education experience, including meeting and walking out with the three elephants. The funds derived from the tourist experience as well as supporters and sponsors of the foundation also underpin this work.

For people who have elephants at heart and wish to have an up close ethical experience I would recommend it as an experience. I support the LWE foundation. I agree too that the best outcome for these three elephants would be to be allowed to go wild, however, this is a matter for the Groves to decide in time. I am sure they will make a decision in the best interests for Jabu, Thembi and Morula.

No, hadn't heard of this organization, but I must admit that my interest in captive elephants is very limited. I generally don't think that elephants should be held in captivity, but I don't know about those that have been saved and raised by humans. If there were any chance to set them free, I would certainly prefer that.

By the way, does anybody know how Daphne Sheldrick's elephant orphanage deals with this question?

Hello~
I am Rene. I was excited to hear that you are beginning to consider plans for visiting Africa! I've traveled to Kenya and Tanzania and have visited Amboseli several times.
I wanted to throw out a few thoughts. There are limitless ways to design a journey. I have travelled to many destinations in one trip and on other trips deposited myself in one or two spots to really soak in the experience of the animals in one locale for the wonder that such an opportunity offers. My first trip I took one month and hired a company that coordinated a camping safari throughout Tanzania from Manyara to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire Park, and Serengeti Park. Part of that month was also spent in Kenya at Kora near Meru Park. It was fantastic and yet a lot of traveling around. One trip was limited to 10 days on the ground so I booked in at Masai Mara-spending 3 days @ Little Governor's Camps, 3 days at the opposite end of the Mara @ an Eco Lodge and 4 days in Amboseli-staying at one of the lodges. Last trip was all Amboseli to enjoy many days of watching the many Elephant families.
Pick up a copy of AFRICA Geographic, in the back of the mag they list farms, camps and lodges throughout Africa. Also, please consider seeking out true ECO lodges operated by the local people. The Masai own some that I hear are quite nice and then you support their economy as well.

You will see many Elephants in Amboseli if the rains are kind and continue.They will cross the roads and be in the swamps and out on the plains. It is ideal for seeing Elephants and you will see them as well as the researchers for the most part. But, I hear that the drought has been very hard on all of the animals, so, consider this as you plan. You might Google "eco tourism for Kenya" and any other countries you want to visit. A current "Lonely Planet" Guide to Kenya would be quite good.

You might also ask the Sheldrick's for suggestions of companies who will coordinate for you.
I do not have a suggestion of who to call at present but I'll ponder and get back.
I hope my input adds some ideas to your planning.