Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve donates lion

The lion, which was born and bred on the VLNR, arrived at its new home in October and is settling in well. His new neighbours, including leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs, have already visited to welcome him to the reserve.

Translocation of lions between reserves is crucial to help conserve the wild lion population in South Africa.

Earlier this year, Reserve Manager Werner Taljaard got in touch with the GMPGR via the Lion Management Forum (LiMF) to start the process of relocating the male lion. Werner has been leading the biodiversity footwork at the VLNR for the last six years. In his words, “through responsible custodianship now, we ensure conservation forever”.

Once the relocation was agreed, Werner and Brad Philipps, Warden of GMPGR, worked closely with the biodiversity team, led by Erin Parham, Head of Biodiversity and Environmental Partnerships, and Eben van Heerden, Ecology and DBCM Properties Manager, to ensure a permit to transport the lion was secured from the Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism department.

With all the necessary paperwork agreed, a suitable lion was identified.

The VLNR’s lions are well-known for their health and genetics. Their Greater Mapungubwe bloodline was a great match for the GMPGR’s Kalahari and Tembe Elephant reserve genes. With the arrival of the VLNR lion, some of the reserve’s other lions are being relocated, under expert guidance, as part of GMPGR’s Lion Management Plan.