Lion relocation from eastern cape to kwazulu natal

A 250kg adult male lion has been safely translocated from Kariega Game Reserve (Eastern Cape) to Somkhanda Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal)—a carefully coordinated conservation move supported by The Bateleurs, and sponsored by Ivan Carter and Brooke Carter. With tight weather and timing windows, the team flew the mission on an AceJet Citation with Capt. Walter Waldeck and Capt. Louis Van Wyk, while Ivan—renowned for his conservation work and Carter’s W.A.R.—and Brooke, host of Wild Wonders with Brooke, backed a practical, science-led step toward stronger pride structures and long-term genetic diversity.

TEAM

·       Ivan Carter and Brooke Carter – sponsored aircraft fuel and vet expenses

·       Dr Ryan van Deventer – Wildlife Solutions, attending Vet

·       Colin Whittaker – AceJet,  donated the Citation time

·       Walter Waldeck and Louis Van Wyk (Citation pilots)  – Flight Training College, donated the pilots time

·       Nick Lincoln - KZN positioning pilot

·       Chris Reynecke – Kariega Game Reserve - donated the lion and sponsored capture and boma time

·       Meiring Prinsloo - Somkhanda Game Reserve, recipient reserve

·       Steve McCurrach of The Bats - Mission coordinator

Pilot Report

Colin Whittaker, AceJet, sponsored the Citation

Pilots: Capt Walter Waldeck and Capt Louis Van Wyk

A call was made for assistance with the relocation of a 250kg Male Lion via The Bateleurs. We felt that the distance required would need an aircraft of good speed and space. This was accomplished with the AceJet Citation.

From the beginning of the mission, the collaborative spirit of all involved and the understanding of each facet of the mission was an absolute pleasure. Each party knew what was required and continuous dialogue allowed for a seamless mission.  A number of factors, including weather, temperatures and runway lengths were the biggest concern. Timings were critical.

The mission was flown with incredible professionalism by Capt Walter Waldeck and Capt Louis Van Wyk . These are the finest instructors at Flight Training College  in George.

The rest of the team made the operation a huge success and completed flawlessly .

CONSERVATIONIST Report: Lion relocation

Chris Reynecke, Kariega Game Reserve

One adult male lion (MH/LM06) has been safely translocated from Kariega Game Reserve (Eastern Cape) to Somkhanda Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal) as part of our ongoing conservation management efforts.

In fenced reserves, natural processes like dispersal and competition can’t happen on their own. Strategic translocations like this help us mimic what would occur naturally in the wild.

This ensures:

* Strong and stable pride social structures

* Healthy population numbers within the reserve’s capacity in regards to predator/prey relations

* Long-term genetic diversity, reducing the risk of inbreeding

This move also contributes to South Africa’s broader lion metapopulation management strategy , where reserves work together to secure the future of lions across the landscape, not just within individual reserves.

Thoughtful, science-based interventions like these are essential to protecting wildlife for generations to come.