Since its inception in 1999, Amakhala Game Reserve has aimed to complete the ecological restoration process by re-establishing the original complement of wildlife, much of which has been absent from the area for some 150 years.

As a result of the devastating drought in Northern Zululand, Amakhala Game Reserve has relocated a family group of 10 elephants from Phinda Game Reserve there. They were humanely captured and carefully transported 1600 kilometres to the Eastern Cape.

Dr Michael Knight (South African National Parks Board) assessed the Reserve before the reintroduction of elephant. The carrying capacity of 22 will only be reached in13 years.

To meet the requirements of the larger animals, the perimeter fence has been electrified, ranger training has been extended and new staff employed.

To monitor the elephants and their impact on the vegetation, field observation and GPS technology will provide the information for sound management policies. The initial costs of the Amakhala Elephant Project were enormous – capture, relocation, tracking equipment and insurance. The second phase of the project will involve relocating adult bulls from Addo Elephant Park to Amakhala.

The Sindisa Foundation, a private, non-profit organisation, has recently assisted the establishment of the Amakhala Conservation Centre, an environmental education and research facility. The Foundation will assist the Elephant Project by funding a GIS tracking collar, field research assistants and equipment. The Foundation will also manage all the funds raised to support the Amakhala Elephant Project through a dedicated account audited by Deloitte & Touche.

Amakhala Game Reserve invites you to make a donation to the Foundation through its parent organisation the Biodiversity Trust. The funds will be used specifically for the Elephant Project. Donors will be acknowledged through the Foundation Newsletter, and will also decide on the use of any surplus funds. All involved in this Project to re-establish elephant in their former home and in the rescue of Zululand’s threatened animals look forward to a successful partnership in an effort to restore and conserve Africa’s wildlife heritage.

Thank you for taking the time to learn of the Amakhala Elephant Project.

Donations can be sent to:

Bank: National Westminster
Branch: Kensington Royal Garden
Branch Code: 50 – 30 – 10
Account Name: The Biodiversity Trust
Account Number: 86012479

Please advise us of your donation by email to centralres@amakhala.co.za