Elphants and Gogos 2.jpg Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is preparing to relocate 1,050 elephants from its reserves due to ecological concerns,
Image: File
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is set to embark on a controversial initiative to relocate 1,050 elephants from its game reserves in response to growing concerns about the impact of a surging elephant population on local ecosystems.
The conservation authority has indicated that once it secures legislative approval, elephants from reserves such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Ithala Game Reserve, uMkhuze Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park and Western Shores Game Reserve may be relocated.
Vuyiswa Radebe spoke about the urgency behind the decision and the ecological imbalance that could result from an unchecked elephant population.
“The aim was to deal with the norms and standards that were set by the government in 2008. For now, the matter of reducing our population is still on paper until the legislation allows us to go ahead,” Radebe said.
The plan for relocation stems from Ezemvelo’s attempts to preserve ecological balance. Radebe indicated that managing the elephant population was essential to prevent environmental degradation that could follow an uncontrolled rise in numbers.
“If their population rate is not controlled, it could create significant ecological challenges,” she warned.
However, Ezemvelo’s approach has faced criticism in recent years, particularly after the controversial culling of nine elephants at Mawana Game Reserve in 2024.
The incident sparked outrage among conservationists after the elephants, which had escaped from the reserve and encroached on community land, were shot.
Commenting on the escaped elephants, Radebe said: “In January 2017, the reserve owner, Mr Van der Walt, passed away, and that’s when the wheels came off.”
Continued community complaints about safety concerns culminated in the drastic measure taken by rangers.
The incident drew sharp backlash from conservation groups, who questioned the management practices surrounding the growing herd.
“The elephants were troubling the community, and out of all the options that were put forward, putting them down was the best option,” Radebe said. She acknowledged the severe ramifications such actions carry and the strong public sentiment surrounding conservation ethics.
Jana Kotze, a member of the wildlife conservation group Elephants, Rhino and People (ERP), expressed caution in commenting immediately on the matter.
“I need to consult with my director before making any remarks,” she said, indicating the complexity of the situation and the differing perspectives within the conservation community.
With growing urgency to find a viable relocation plan, Radebe said efforts are underway to identify suitable areas for the elephants.
“No one wants to take the elephants, but something has to be done. We are still working around the clock to find available areas where the animals could be relocated,” she concluded.
DAILY NEWS