Latest News & Developments
conservation
Goliath and Coralie: Rescued circus lions find sanctuary in South Africa
Following a decade of captivity, Goliath and Coralie, two circus lions, are now thriving in a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Animal Defenders International and Qatar Airways.
Dehorning of South African rhinos slashed poaching: study
A seven-year study has revealed that dehorning rhinos has led to a drastic decline in poaching.
Is the seal in Gordon’s Bay Rocky, the KZN star?"
A sub-adult elephant seal caused excitement in Gordon's Bay on Tuesday, prompting marine enthusiasts in KwaZulu-Natal to speculate if it was Rocky, the seal released into the ocean off the continental shelf 25 nautical miles from Gqeberha in March.
Gordon’s Bay seal spotted: Is it Rocky from KZN?
A sub-adult elephant seal caused excitement in Gordon's Bay on Tuesday, prompting marine enthusiasts in KwaZulu-Natal to speculate if it was Rocky, the seal released into the ocean off the continental shelf 25 nautical miles from Gqeberha in March.
Lion and Safari Park’s Little Rangers Program inspires young wildlife warriors
Children are encouraged to engage in conservation activities that support their curiosity and promote the safety and care of the wild at large. With engaging weekend sessions such as art in the park, paw and spoor tracking, and safe, age-appropriate bush survival skills, every moment is both educational and exciting.
Elephant seal's surprising stroll through Gordon's Bay ends with safe return to the sea
An unexpected sighting of a large Southern elephant seal wandering through the streets of Gordon’s Bay has left residents amazed.
Great White Shark disappearance warns of a deeper biodiversity crisis
Once a common sight in False Bay, Great White Sharks have all but disappeared over the past two decades. Scientists point to unsustainable fishing and commercial longlining, entanglement in protective nets laid out by the Natal Sharks Board, and more recently, predation by orcas as the reason Great Whites have vanished from our coast. Their absence has triggered a domino effect across the marine ecosystem.
Insects: Unsung heroes of our ecosystems
Explore the vital role of insects in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health as we celebrate International Biodiversity Day.
Houdini the rhino: a life-saving surgery by the University of Pretoria's veterinary team
A dedicated veterinary team from the University of Pretoria has performed a remarkable five-hour surgery on Houdini, a four-year-old white rhino, to save his life after a poaching incident left him with a severe nasal obstruction. This heartwarming story showcases the commitment of veterinary professionals to wildlife conservation.
Justin Terblanche: the rhino whisperer's fight against poaching
Meet Justin Terblanche, the 'Rhino Whisperer,' who is on a mission to save South Africa's last rhinos. Through his crowdfunding campaign, he aims to raise R176,000 for a thermal drone that could revolutionise anti-poaching efforts. Discover the deep bond he shares with these majestic creatures and the urgent need for support to protect them.
Goliath and Coralie rescued from circus life to find freedom in South Africa
The beginning of the end for wild circus animals in France
Nkanyiso: the heartwarming journey of a rewilded Cheetah and her cubs
The Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa celebrates the successful release of Nkanyiso, a once-captive cheetah, and her four cubs into the wild at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, marking a significant milestone in Southern Africa's conservation efforts
'Lost' Blyde River Flat Gecko rediscovered after 33 years
In a remarkable turn of events, researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust have rediscovered the Blyde River Flat Gecko, a species unseen for over 33 years, igniting hope for the conservation of South Africa’s lesser-known wildlife
Mass vulture poisoning in Kruger National Park: a conservation crisis
Over 100 vultures have tragically perished in one of Southern Africa's largest mass poisoning events at Kruger National Park, highlighting a growing conservation crisis that demands urgent action.
103 rhinos poached in South Africa in three months
While poaching remains persistent, law enforcement agencies made 15 arrests linked to rhino poaching during the same period.
Rhino poaching in South Africa: 103 killed in early 2025
Despite targeted interventions showing some success, South Africa faces a troubling rise in rhino poaching, with 103 rhinos killed in just three months of 2025. Minister Dr Dion George highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat this illegal activity.
Urgent action needed as 103 rhinos poached in South Africa in early 2025
In the first three months of 2025, South Africa has seen the tragic loss of 103 rhinos to poaching, prompting urgent calls from Minister Dr Dion George for intensified conservation efforts and public support.
New iNkonjane Nature Reserve established in KwaZulu-Natal to protect endangered wildlife
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife announces the declaration of the iNkonjane Nature Reserve, a new protected area in KwaZulu-Natal, aimed at safeguarding critically endangered species like the Blue Swallow and Pennington’s Protea Butterfly.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife halts Incema harvesting for 2025 amid severe waterlogging
Due to severe waterlogging, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has cancelled this year's Incema harvesting operations, emphasising the importance of harvester safety and environmental sustainability.
Rhino conservation: the vital role of veterinarians and teams
Reflecting on World Veterinary Day and Save the Rhino Day, this article explores the critical role of veterinarians and conservation teams in combating the alarming rise of rhino poaching in South Africa.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's operations to be revamped says Edtea MEC Musa Zondi
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is set to implement a comprehensive commercialisation programme aimed at financial sustainability, as MEC Musa Zondi addresses the challenges of underfunding and rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal
Urgent reforms needed in South Africa's captive lion industry following cruelty conviction
Following the conviction of Professor Thabo Masihlelo for animal cruelty, Four Paws South Africa urges the government to expedite the phase-out of the captive lion industry, highlighting the urgent need for reform in animal welfare laws.
National Zoological Garden welcomes new blacktip reef sharks and vibrant marine fish
The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has welcomed three blacktip reef sharks and 220 marine fish, enhancing its commitment to marine conservation and education.
National Zoological Garden enhances marine collection with new arrivals
The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria welcomes three Blacktip Reef Sharks and over 200 colourful marine fish, enhancing its marine life collection and promoting marine conservation.
Rescue mission: Durban team saves python eggs from development site
Discover how Durban snake rescuer Nick Evans and veterinarian Dr Carla Goede successfully rescued a mother python’s clutch of eggs from a development site, ensuring their survival and eventual release into the wild.