Leopard relocation benefits global conservation program
Two leopards, Pitou and Sirius (brother and sister, both 16 years old) are the newest Big Cats to find sanctuary at the Born Free Animal Rescue and Education Centre within the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and will assist in giving individuals from around the world the chance to contribute to global conservation.
Previously residents at the small cliff-top zoo of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco’s ‘Jardin Animalier’, Pitou and Siriusk, who originated from a French traveling circus, were released into a 3 acre natural bush enclosure in the Born Free Julie Ward Education and Rescue Centre last week. This centre forms part of two Education and Animal Rescue Centres at Shamwari which provide long term humane care for big cats (indigenous to Africa) that can not be returned to the wild as well as providing an educational resource for visitors and students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
Shamwari Game Reserve belongs to the Mantis Collection and discussions for its sale, as well as the sale of both Jock Safari Lodge and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, to Dubai World Africa Services (Pty) Ltd have been confirmed by both companies.
Dubai World Africa was part of the consortium that acquired the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for more than R7 billion in 2006 and also owns Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, a 170-hectare championship golf course development in the Cape Winelands, through its Leisurecorp division.
Dubai World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has indicated that the company will invest about $1,5 billion on the African continent over the next five years, with investments and projects in Djibouti, Zanzibar and the Comores already underway.
Conservation and ecotourism is also a focus area of the company which is currently establishing Dubai World Africa Conservation as a holding company for a number of prime game reserves in Africa.
Dubai World Africa CEO James Wilson says that it is currently in talks which could create the largest private reserve in South Africa. If successful, discussion with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and community trusts could result in the 50,000 hectare Songimvelo regional park being aligned with the Dubai World Africa’s 30,000 hectare Nkomazi Game Reserve, near Badplas, which represents a total investment of $100 million for the company.
Over 500 students from all over the world who form part of The Worldwide Experience will also benefit from the addition of the two leopards at Shamwari Game Reserve.
UK based, Worldwide Experience offers individuals the chance to contribute to global conservation and community programmes around the world. By combining conservation projects with community development and adventure programmes, they provide an opportunity for an unforgettable experience.
These students/scholars come from 4 different sectors within the international youth market namely, Gap Year Students, School Groups (Eco School Challenges), Veterinary Students (Vets Go Wild) and Wildlife Film makers * (see editors notes on each of the above).
Since 2003, Worldwide Experience and Born Free have been working together to give people first-hand experience of working with dedicated conservation teams while contributing a donation to the Born Free Foundation from each Worldwide Experience placement undertaken, ensuring each individual assists to ‘keeping wildlife in the wild’.
As part of their placement, these individuals are given the opportunity to help and assist at the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat sanctuaries at Shamwari Game Reserve. Students assist from maintenance work on the viewing decks overlooking the enclosures, such as where these two new leopards will be homed, to learning about the feeding of the cats and assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of the enclosures. Regular controlling of the vegetation of the enclosures is essential in keeping them neat and safe. Students participating in the “Vets go Wild” – program are given practical opportunities to further their studies within natures very own classroom.
Conservation at Shamwari is about the management, development and rehabilitation of the environment to create a sustainable ecosystem through the implementation of fundamental conservation principals. The conservation department at Shamwari has a highly effective team including two qualified wildlife veterinarian, ecologist and environmentalist. The Wildlife Department also boasts several breeding centres, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit. To ensure the lasting sustainability of the reserve as an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, the ecology department strives to protect and where necessary to improve the environment.
It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger, and provide them with excellent life time care.
Born Free and Worldwide Experience thus allow individuals a unique opportunity – as they join together to create the Born Free South Africa challenge, giving individuals the chance to experience a true African Adventure. Sample the skills and knowledge required of a ranger whilst trekking 80km’s across Shamwari Wildlife Reserve – also home to BBC2′s celebrity ‘Safari School’ aired in early 2007, visiting the Born Free Education and Animal Rescue Centre’s on route and you could meet Pitou and Sirius.
