On Friday, May 9th, a cohesive family unit of five elephants was translocated from the Asante Sana Game Reserve in the Karoo to the Longhill Private Reserve in the Addo Region. The operation was carried out through a collaboration among the Fisher Foundation, the Wildlife Emergency Fund, Conservation Solutions, and the reserves. 

Due to the breeding success at Asante Sana, the reserve’s elephant population had reached its prescribed ecological carrying capacity; therefore, the decision was made to move a small family unit to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve. 

The elephant family was translocated to Longhill Private Reserve, which previously did not have elephants. This operation marks a successful expansion of elephant range in the Eastern Cape. Elephant populations are reaching their carrying capacity in many reserves in South Africa, and it is essential that more safe spaces, like Longhill, are established to secure the future of elephant populations in the country.

Longhill Reserve, under the stewardship of the Biggs family, has become a growing conservation success in the Eastern Cape. The reserve removed internal fencing in 2018 and has since reintroduced cheetah, buffalo, and other species. Longhill is positioning itself as a key conservation anchor in the Addo region, with future introductions such as rhino and brown hyena on the horizon.

An operation of this size requires a highly specialized and experienced team. The operation was led by capture veteran Kester Vickery and the team from the Wildlife Emergency Fund, while Dr. Annie Mears and Dr. Brendan Tindall provided veterinary expertise. Critical funding support was provided by the Fisher Foundation. 

Dereck Milburn, Director of the Wildlife Emergency Fund, said, “We are thankful that the operation went well and that the range for elephants continues to expand in the Eastern Cape. Without reserves such as Asante Sana and Longhill Private Reserve, the elephant populations in South Africa would be at risk in the long term.”

The matriarch of the herd was fitted with a GPS collar so the herd can be tracked daily to ensure their safety and well-being after their journey. They have settled in well, are making good use of their new home, and have already found favorite feeding areas.