Huge relocation of African wildlife undertaken by SANparks.

South African National Parks is involved in a huge operation to translocate around 1200 animals from the recently de-classified Vaalbos National Park near in the Northern Cape, to a new national park on a newly acquired piece of land at Wintershoek, south west of Kimberley.

Following a successful land claim made on a section of the current park by the Sidney on Vaal claimants, Vaalbos National Park has been de-gazetted and a new park will be proclaimed, named Wintershoek Park.

The translocation includes 1,200 animals, many of which are endangered species, which are to be moved in 3 phases. Phase 1 was completed in March saw 234 animals moved to other National Parks such as Tankwa and Augrabies in the Northern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape and Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, where similar species already exist.

Phase 2 was specifically scheduled for the winter season for heat sensitive animals, started in June, and 346 more animals were moved; bringing the total number of translocated animals to 580. Animals translocated during these phases include 5 White Rhinos ; 11 Giraffe; 163 Red Hartebeest; 43 Blue Wildebeest; 39 Tsessebe; 85 Gemsbok; 36 Plains Zebra; 76 Springbok; 10 Eland and 141 Buffalos.

Says SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda: ‘SANParks supports the country’s land restitution process and I am very pleased to announce that all stakeholders worked tirelessly to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement in regards to the Vaalbos claim.’

‘The acquired piece of land in Wintershoek has very little human intervention and disturbance. Late rains have also provided plenty of vegetation and this will assist in a quick rehabilitation of the animals.’
A SANParks animal capture team has been working non stop for the 3 weeks, and are on target to finish pase 2.

 

September will see the start of phase 3 in favourable weather conditions for more delicate animals such as the Black Rhino.
The capture team is also careful not to disrupt the mating season for various species and those animals that are already pregnant; hence this phase is well timed to coincide with the birth of new calves during spring when there is plenty of vegetation in the new park.

The logistical operation involved an integration of various services, equipment and personnel. Two veterinary doctors; 3 assistants and 12 park rangers formed part of the capture team; while 4 large translocation trucks, 2 specialised containers for Rhino transportation, 1 crane truck and a helicopter were also used.
The state veterinarian was also present during the entire operation to ensure that procedures and safety elements are adhered to, especially on disease-free Buffalos and young calves.