SAVANHA

After four long years of planning and consultation, a super team have finally launched the Blue Canyon Conservancy, and are proud to announce the relocation of nine elephants on the weekend of the 3rd -5th of October.

Many people have contributed to the getting this conservation undertaking off the ground, including nearby landowners who have offered their farms to create the near 15 000 hectare conservancy.

To celebrate their successful undertaking, a group of various stakeholders, business people and media representatives decided to relax and have a welcome dinner at the Safari Club on the 3rd of October, to mark the official launch of Hoedspruit’s newest contribution to ongoing conservation efforts.

On the Saturday morning, founder and world renowned wildlife veteran Douw Grobler accompanied the media and stakeholders to the Sabi Sands region for the capture of the selected elephant family to be relocated to the Blue Canyon Conservancy.

The capture of the large, big- eared beasts took most of the day, with the release of the elephants into their changed environment only taking place later that day. Although the process of transporting these massive creatures was time-consuming, the visiting crowds awaited their release with eager anticipation, and were not disappointed. The founders of the conservancy are thrilled, and delighted that their meticulous planning has had such a successful result.

The elephants took their time, and when the truck that was transporting the elephants was opened on the farm, it took a while for the animals to gain the courage to venture out into their new territory. However, the animals eventually placed their giant, padded feet on conservation soil, and cautiously left the truck one by one, immediately fleeing to the furthest part of the one hectare enclosure.

The surrounding crowds obviously placed some added pressure and uncertainty on the drugged, nervous elephants, but the animal’s fears were soon quelled when the onlookers dissipated and left them to recover from the effect of the tranquilizers, and refresh themselves in a nearby waterhole.

The invited guests left the conservancy soon after breakfast on the Sunday; however some remained to witness the official opening of the boma later that afternoon. In an effort to maintain a watchful eye over the relocated family, one of the elephants is collared to ensure that the movements of this animal family can traced. The latest development is that the herd has begun to explore, and are adapting favourably to their new home.