No Big Five safari is complete without elephants. It’s easy to believe that you can never have enough of these seriously endangered gentle giants, but nothing could be further from the truth. As environmental architects, elephants have a massive impact on their surroundings. When there are too many in one area it can become a problem.
Gone are the days when culling was an option, so conservationists have had to come up with another plan and it seems the answer is simply “sharing is caring’’ when it comes to elephants.
Elephants on the Move
Mozambique’s long civil war has taken its toll on all the African big game in the area, including the Big Five, with species in some reserves almost totally depleted. On the other hand, the animals of South Africa have enjoyed a long history of closely-guarded protection, particularly in private reserves dotted all over the country.
To even things out, the De Beers Group has sprung into action, masterminding and funding the relocation of excess elephants from its Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve to Mozambique.
The operation involves moving 200 of these giant pachyderms over 1500km (935 miles) to their destination.
The first 60 animals left for Zinave National Park during July and August of 2018 and have settled in nicely after their ordeal. The rest of the elephants earmarked for relocation started moving across to their new homes at the beginning of this year.
How Do You Move an Elephant?
We all know the saying about ‘’eating an elephant – one bite at a time’’ but how do you get these huge uncooperative beasts on board for a significant relocation? It takes time, planning, paperwork and lots of money.
To get these giants from A to B is a complex and time-consuming process. Firstly, the animals are herded into an enclosure by helicopter and darted from the air. Once they’re sound asleep, their legs are tethered with soft, super-strong tethers and they’re lifted by crane onto crates for transportation by road. The animals are left sleeping until just before they start their journey.
Bearing in mind that the elephant’s welfare is paramount throughout the procedure, their vital signs must be monitored, and family groups cannot be separated in the process.
Without collaboration between the governments of the two countries, the Peace Parks Foundation and De Beers Group, this incredible feat would not be possible. Peace Parks Foundation is on board to ensure minimal disturbance of the animals’ social groups and constant monitoring of the elephants during the transitional phase.
Not only has De Beers Group contributed to moving these animals but they’ve also pledged ongoing funds to ensure their safety. New park rangers will be hired and trained, anti-poaching measures will be increased and new access roads for patrols are being implemented.
The future looks bright for Mozambique’s biggest new citizens.
Book Your Big Five Safari
If you’d like to do your bit for African elephant conservation, book your next African safari with us. We can’t guarantee that you’ll see all the Big Five safari animals, but we can get you off to a great start with our range of luxury lodges in all the right places.
