South African National Parks (SANParks) is currently involved in a massive operation to translocate animals from the old Vaalbos National Park near Barkley West in the Northern Cape, to a new national park that will be established on a recently acquired piece of land called Wintershoek, south west of Kimberley.
The establishment of the new park involves de-proclamation of Vaalbos National Park following a successful land claim made on a section of the current park by the Sidney on Vaal claimants. This will be followed by the proclamation of the new park and a name change process, and culminate in an official launch ceremony where the official naming and proclamation will be made.
The translocation includes 1 200 mostly wildlife endangered species, which will be relocated in three phases. Phase one which was completed in March saw 234 wildlife relocated to other national parks like Tankwa and Augrabies National Parks in the Northern Cape and Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape and Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, where similar species are already available.
Phase two which was scheduled specifically for the winter season for heat sensitive animals, started on 22 June and 346 animals have been moved; bringing the total number of translocated animals to 580. Animals relocated during both phases include 5 White Rhinos ; 11 Giraffe; 163 Red Hartebeest; 43 Blue Wildebeest; 39 Tsessebe; 85 Gemsbok; 36 Plains Zebra; 76 Springbok; 10 Eland and 141 Buffalos.
Says SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda: “SANParks supports the country’s land restitution process and I am very pleased to announce that all stakeholders worked tirelessly to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement in regards to the Vaalbos claim.”
“The acquired piece of land in Wintershoek has very little human intervention and disturbance. Late rains have also provided plenty of vegetation and this will assist in a quick rehabilitation of the animals.”
The SANParks animal capture team from Kimberley has been working round the clock for the past three weeks, and are on target to complete the second phase by the end of the week.
The rest of the animals will be moved during phase three, which will commence in September when weather conditions are favourable to move delicate animals like the Black Rhino which are sensitive to cold temperatures.
The capture team is also careful not to disturb the mating season for various species and those animals that are already pregnant; hence this phase is well timed to coincide with the birth of new calves during spring when there is plenty of vegetation in the new park.
The logistical operation involved an integration of various services, equipment and personnel. Two veterinary doctors; three assistants and 12 park rangers formed part of the capture team; while 4 large translocation trucks, 2 specialised containers for Rhino transportation, 1 crane truck and a helicopter were also used.
The state veterinarian was also present during the entire operation to ensure that procedures and safety elements are adhered to, especially on disease-free Buffalos and young calves.
Click here for the Vaalbos/Wintershoek timeline