In a major step toward ecosystem restoration, South African National Parks (SANParks) has translocated 42 elephants from the Main Camp of Addo Elephant National Park to the park’s remote Kabouga section.
The move, completed between 12 and 15 May, is part of ongoing efforts to expand the elephants’ range and restore ancient migration corridors across the Eastern Cape, reinforcing sustainable conservation practices.
The elephants now inhabit a newly secured and ecologically restored landscape, 50km away from their previous home, where they are expected to resume their natural role as ecosystem engineers.
“Addo has a proud record of elephant conservation,” said Roland Januarie, Park Manager. “We’re not only managing population health, but we’re reactivating ancient ecological pathways and expanding sustainable habitats that promote biodiversity.”
This strategic relocation aligns with SANParks’ broader conservation approach, addressing the need for Everyday Justice by healing degraded landscapes and enabling natural systems to function as intended. Elephants help transform environments by opening thickets, dispersing seeds, and maintaining water access points, key benefits for biodiversity restoration.
Expert-led, welfare-focused
The translocation was led by a specialist team of conservationists, wildlife veterinarians, and logistics experts, ensuring every stage prioritized animal welfare and ecological integrity. The newly relocated elephants will be closely monitored as they settle into their environment, which has been carefully prepared for long-term sustainability.
The project received key support from the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, an initiative of the Global Humane Society. “We are proud to be part of a conservation milestone that not only gives elephants more space to thrive but also restores balance to fragile ecosystems,” said Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society.
Conservation beyond boundaries
Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third-largest national park and home to the famed Big 7, from elephants and lions to southern right whales and great white sharks. The future consolidation of Kabouga and Darlington sections will create even larger, interconnected habitats, allowing elephants and other wildlife to roam more freely.
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