Nkomazi Game Reserve receives a new herd of elephants from Shamwari
29. Sep, 2009
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A herd of elephants from sister reserve, internationally acclaimed Shamwari Game Reserve, near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape were released effortlessly after an epic journey of 1 400 kilometers into Nkomazi Game Reserve, near Badplaas, Mpumalanga during the month of September.
This herd is part of a single cohesive family group, and the selection was made after a month of careful monitoring by Mantis Group Ecologist, John O’ Brien.
This translocation was the first step towards the reintroduction of the full spectrum of mega fauna that once occurred in the Komati River Valley. The abundance of San rock art is a clear indication that this was once a wildlife paradise, prior to the arrival of pastoralists in the mid 1800’s.
Mantis Group Wildlife Director, Dr Johan Joubert adds, “It was a ‘near perfect release’ and the elephants have settled into their new home surprisingly quickly, having located abundant food and water in close proximity. It was also clear that the decision to source Shamwari elephants was the correct one, as they have shown no signs of distress or anxiety, having grown up on a private reserve, with regular exposure to game viewing vehicles and lodge infrastructure.”
The translocation was the culmination of several months of intensive planning, both at Shamwari and Nkomazi, with roads, gates and bomas upgraded to handle heavy transport vehicles and specialized elephant crates. Minor details were also considered; preparations to ensure that the heavy transport vehicles could fit under telephone wires, drive through gates, obtain ample turning space and roads reinforced, all to ensure that any undue stress or anxiety was thoroughly negated.
The herd will be closely monitored on an ongoing basis by the wildlife team based at Nkomazi.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
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