How elephant translocation is reviving biodiversity in Addo Elephant National Park

A SIGNIFICANT conservation effort has been under way at the Addo Elephant National Park near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, where 42 elephants were successfully translocated to the newly secured Kabouga section.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

This move, which is part of the South African National Parks (SANParks) initiative, aims to expand the elephants' range and restore ecological balance in one of the country's most iconic conservation areas.

According to the park's Conservation Manager Anban Padayakee, the translocation, conducted between May 12 and 15, was meticulously planned and executed by a team of conservationists, wildlife veterinarians, and logistics specialists.

Padayakee said each step was done with attention to animal welfare and ecological integrity.

"The reality of our achievement has not yet set in... it's still such an unbelievable achievement. We were so careful that we had experts from all different fields to make sure the mission was successful.

"The experience was not limited to this operation; we can apply it in the future," Padayakee said.