A significant milestone in elephant conservation was marked by the first-ever relocation of family groups of elephants from Addo Elephant National Park to three separate reserves.

Addo Elephant National Park, famous for its biodiversity and home to over 600 elephants, has recently encountered challenges linked to overpopulation in certain regions. This oversaturation posed threats to the environment, leading to overgrazing and habitat degradation. Acknowledging the pressing nature of the issue, we initiated a groundbreaking effort to move these elephants to more suitable environments.

We successfully captured and relocated two family groups of elephants, plus two bulls, from Addo. These elephants now inhabit several reserves, including Shambala Private Game Reserve, Babanango Private Game Reserve, and Bellevue Forest Reserve.

The relocation bears deep historical importance. Bellevue Forest Reserve, formerly called Olifantskop (‘Elephant’s Head’), used to be a natural habitat for elephants. This verdant area, abundant in Albany thicket, is now the new home for the relocated elephants. Covering 2,500 hectares, Bellevue Forest Reserve previously acted as a temporary sanctuary for two prominent elephants, Hapoor and Bellevue, which frequently strayed from Addo. Currently, it’s likely that their descendants are returning to their ancestral land.

Babanango Game Reserve has been pivotal in achieving this conservation milestone. It brought in a small breeding herd from Manyoni Private Game Reserve and two bulls from Tembe Elephant Park, both of which have genetic ties to Kruger National Park. The introduction of seven elephants from Addo Elephant National Park marks a significant return of these creatures to Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, a region where they have been absent for more than 150 years.

This significant project is a joint effort involving SANParks, Babanango Game Reserve, and Bellevue Forest Reserve. The relocation was funded by the Wildlife Emergency Fund, with support from John and Mary Lee Malcolm, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Over and Above Africa, Conservation Outcomes, Conservation Solutions, DCM Surfaces, and WeWild Africa. Special thanks to Andrew Malcolm Films for his assistance in documenting this operation.