We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Tumbeta Private Game Reserve has welcomed a herd of elephants to the reserve! This is a significant moment for us, as it’s the first time elephants have roamed these lands in over 100 years. The family of elephants, who previously resided at Kaingo Game Reserve for 18 years, have now settled into their new home here at Tumbeta, and we couldn’t be more excited to observe their journey as they become part of our vibrant ecosystem.

The Importance of Keeping a Family Together

When it comes to relocating elephants, ensuring the herd remains intact is absolutely essential. Much like human families, elephants have deep social bonds, especially among family members. Their connections are built on trust, and keeping them together helps ease the transition to a new environment. Breaking up an elephant family could cause emotional distress and disrupt their natural behaviors. For this reason, the entire family was transported to Tumbeta together to ensure they could continue living as a cohesive unit.

Acacia: A Favourite Treat

The elephants have settled in remarkably well, finding the abundant Acacia veld at Tumbeta a perfect food source. Acacia is one of their favorite meals, and the reserve is well stocked with this plant. Since their arrival, they have been spotted happily munching on the Acacia trees and exploring their new surroundings.

A Complex Task, Well-Executed

Moving these majestic creatures was no small feat. The logistical challenge of relocating elephants, each weighing up to 5 tons, required highly specialized equipment and an expert team. Thankfully, our friends at Conservation Solutions stepped in to lead the effort, ensuring a smooth and safe transition for the herd. Their expertise in elephant transfers was invaluable, and we’re deeply grateful for their successful efforts.

Since their arrival, the elephants have been relaxed, displaying natural behaviors and integrating well into the rich and diverse ecosystem at Tumbeta. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates on their adventures in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more wildlife news from Tumbeta Private Game Reserve, and join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter with our elephant family!

@wildlifeconservationalliance @ivancarter