Mount Etjo elephants relocated to Cuatir reserve
In an attempt to combat the effects of the severe drought in Namibia, Mount Etjo Safari Lodge has successfully captured and relocated seven of the approximately 50 elephants living in the reserve.The majestic animals were captured on 5 August and safely released into the Cuatir Nature Reserve in Angola two days later. This will be the first time in 50 years that the Angolan reserve will be home to elephants.
“The decision to relocate the elephants was taken to manage the wildlife population in the area, which had exceeded the area's carrying capacity due to the ongoing drought. The relocation was essential to avoid further stress on the elephants and the local ecosystem. A further 10-20 animals will be relocated in the next few weeks,” Mount Etjo said.
Wildlife Vets Namibia, who were responsible for transporting the animals, added: "During the first relocation, the elephants were caught in the morning and loaded into special transport crates. The road in Angola was rough, but the elephants, one bull, one cow with calf and four sub-adults, were fine.
“They were given water along the way and once we were in Angola, branches and grass. The release of the elephants was a magical moment, it was amazing to see them come out, look around and slowly move into the forest.
Cuatir has a diverse landscape with flood plains, a river, grassland and forest, the elephants have a wonderful new home. The feedback from the reserve is good, all the elephants are together and doing well. The next group of elephants will be relocated soon.”