South African National Parks (SANParks) successfully translocated 42 elephants from what is known as the Main Camp section of Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) to its newly secured Kabouga section recently.
This critical move is part of ongoing efforts to expand the Addo elephants’ range and restore ecological balance in one of South Africa’s most iconic conservation areas.
The translocation, conducted between May 12 and 15, was meticulously planned and executed by an expert team of conservationists, wildlife veterinarians and logistics specialists. Each stage was carried out with careful attention to animal welfare and ecological integrity.
Home to over 700 elephants, AENP stands as a testament to decades of conservation success. Park Manager, Roland Januarie, said, “Addo has a proud record of elephant conservation and maintains a healthy and secure population of one of Africa’s most iconic animal species.
“Translocation between sections of the park has been successfully carried out over many years based on the need to expand their range and to restore original ancient elephant corridors. Looking forward, the consolidation of the neighbouring Kabouga and Darlington sections of the park is planned.”
The Kabouga section, about 50km away by road from the Main Camp, offers a restored habitat where elephants can re-establish their ecological roles.
Reintroducing elephants to this landscape is central to a broader conservation vision of repairing degraded ecosystems through species-led restoration.
By expanding elephant range and establishing new, sustainable habitats, the translocation stands to contribute to long-term biodiversity health and the reactivation of natural ecosystem functions across the region.
The newly relocated elephants will be carefully monitored as they settle into their new environment, marking a hopeful step forward for conservation efforts in the Eastern Cape.
The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, an initiative of Global Humane Society, provided much-needed support that enabled the successful implementation of this project.
“We at Global Humane Society are proud to support this critical restoration project and help ensure these elephants have the space they need to thrive”, said Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society.
“This effort will reactivate the natural systems that elephants help sustain as each step of this process is managed with precision and care, prioritising the welfare of the elephants and the delicate ecosystem at every stage.”
Elephants are widely recognised as ecosystem engineers – their presence transforms landscapes in ways that benefit a vast array of other species.
From opening up thickets and dispersing seeds to creating water access points, their natural behaviours support biodiversity and rejuvenate ecological processes that have been dormant in areas where elephants have long been absent.
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