The Grand exodus of Vultures has Begun

Breaking Boundaries: A Majestic Flight Home for Africa’s Vultures

In a historic move hailed as a beacon for conservation, the grand exodus of vultures has begun, marking the largest relocation ever attempted. This monumental event achieved a pivotal moment as the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment approved to transport the inaugural group of 155 majestic birds to their new haven in the heart of the Eastern Cape.

The green signal triggered a flurry of activity at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where a state-of-the-art facility is taking shape. Nestled beside the existing Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, this bespoke sanctuary is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of its avian inhabitants.

Meet VulPro at Shamwari, the sanctuary destined to be the savior of Cape and African White-backed Vultures. These awe-inspiring creatures are embarking on a transformative journey from their current residence at VulPro’s Hartebeespoort Dam facility. This monumental migration, slated for late January, signifies the inaugural phase of a visionary two-year relocation program.

VulPro stands as a beacon of hope, the sole vulture conservation facility of its kind across the continent. Spearheading initiatives to bolster dwindling African vulture populations, VulPro is a bastion of hope. Kerri Wolter, the visionary CEO of VulPro, emphasizes the significance of this partnership with Shamwari. It not only creates a safe haven for vital in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts but also breathes life into the ethos of Shamwari—a haven where natural balance is meticulously restored.

The vultures en route to VulPro at Shamwari are non-releasable breeding birds, destined for a life of safety and care. Following the arrival of Cape and African White-backed Vultures in January, the second phase will witness the relocation of non-releasable breeding pairs of Lappet-faced, White-headed, and Hooded Vultures, alongside additional White-backed Vultures.

But this initiative goes beyond relocation; it’s about securing the future. Cape Vulture offspring, born under the azure African sky, will soon grace the skies of Shamwari, each adorned with a tracking device. Their counterparts from other species will return to VulPro’s Hartebeespoort facility. From there, they’ll journey to strategic release sites, meticulously identified by the National Vulture Breeding Steering Committee, fortifying vulture populations where needed.

In the grand tapestry of conservation, Shamwari CEO Joe Cloete underscores the significance of this project. It stands as a monumental milestone, a testament to three decades of unwavering commitment. Shamwari’s conservation odyssey, which began in 1992, aimed to reverse centuries of human impact. Elephants, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, lions, and more have found their sanctuary here, culminating in Shamwari’s distinction as the Eastern Cape’s first big-five game reserve.

A-Majestic-Flight-Home-for-Africa’s-Vultures “Vultures are the unsung heroes of our ecosystem. Their return is not just a conservation act; it’s a symphony restoring the harmony of our natural heritage,” asserts Cloete, his words echoing the sentiment of all who witness this monumental feat.

At its core, this initiative symbolizes more than a relocation; it’s a pledge to safeguard Africa’s natural wonders. VulPro’s mission resonates—a call to protect vultures through collaboration and innovation. Shamwari Private Game Reserve, with its unyielding dedication, embodies this mission. As the vultures take flight towards a future filled with promise, the world watches in awe, celebrating a triumph for conservation and the timeless spirit of the African wilderness.

VulPro’s mission is to protect vultures through collaboration and innovation

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is the embodiment of a bold, ambitious conservation project that has turned back the clock, restoring a piece of Africa’s natural heritage to what it once was.

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