World Animal Day: Discovering Wildlife in Our Reserve

As we walk alongside our rescued elephant herd through the bushveld, it’s not just the elephants who capture our attention. From the largest mammals to the smallest creatures, our reserve teems with life. Our carers have the privilege of not only caring for the rescued herd but also witnessing the rich variety of wildlife that thrives in the same space. On this World Animal Day, we celebrate the incredible species that share the land with our elephants, each playing its part in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

The Big Five

On many walks with the elephants, we’re lucky enough to encounter Africa’s famed Big Five. Even though the elephants are our focus, we can’t help but marvel at the other iconic animals we see along the way.

We live and work with elephants every day, yet their sheer presence never fails to amaze us. Whether we watch the wild herds foraging through the bush or our rescued elephants splashing in waterholes, we see firsthand how intelligent and family-oriented they are. Their strong bonds remind us of the importance of family and community, both for wildlife and for people.

There’s something unforgettable about hearing the distant roar of a lion while walking with our herd. Often resting during the day, we’ve seen lions in the cool shade, preparing for the night ahead when they become more active. Though we maintain a safe distance, knowing lions roam the same land reminds us of the wild beauty and unpredictability of the bush.

One of the most elusive animals in the reserve is the leopard. While they’re often hard to spot, every once in a while we might catch a glimpse of one perched in a tree or moving silently through the bush. Their solitary nature and ability to blend into their surroundings make each sighting feel like a rare and special moment.

Buffalo herds are a regular sight around waterholes, where they graze peacefully, unintentionally disturbing the peace as Lundi and Mambo protect their family. Despite their calm demeanour, we know how quickly they can turn defensive, especially when protecting their young. Watching a herd move together, united and protective, is a powerful image.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Anti-Poaching Unit, we’re able to frequently witness white rhinos in their natural habitat. With their wide mouths designed for grazing, they spend much of their day feeding on grass, or lazing at the edge of the waterhole. Seeing them in the bush is a special moment every time, showcasing the success of conservation efforts in our reserve.

Other Wildlife to Watch For

While the Big Five are the stars of the African savannah, the diversity of life here goes far beyond them. From rare predators to the tiniest birds, we’ve had the opportunity to see how each species contributes to the ecosystem.

Seeing African wild dogs while out with the elephants is a rare treat. They move quickly and are often seen working together as a pack, which makes their social structure all the more fascinating. Known for their cooperative hunting strategies, we love watching them when we can, darting through the bush in their hunt for prey.

Often heard long before they’re seen, hyenas are a regular sighting in the reserve. Their haunting calls at night can be unsettling, but we’ve come to appreciate and respect the important role they play in keeping the bushveld clean by scavenging what’s left by other predators. Despite their misunderstood reputation, we’ve learned that hyenas are highly social and cooperative within their clans, displaying remarkable intelligence that challenge common perceptions of them.

As our elephants have their daily swims in the waterhole, we often encounter hippos basking in the cool water. They’re mostly quiet during the day but are formidable animals when threatened. Although we remain cautious of their incredible power, seeing them is a real treat.

Tall and graceful, giraffes are a constant presence, their long necks allowing them to reach the highest leaves that other herbivores can’t. Meanwhile, zebras add a striking contrast to the landscape with their black-and-white stripes. Both species, peaceful and calm, bring a sense of serenity to the bush.

Warthogs with their quirky trot and upright tails bring a smile to our faces as they confidently scurry through the grass. And then there’s the antelope, from impalas to kudus, each species adding its own character to the landscape. While both species are seen frequently, their presence is essential to the bushveld atmosphere.

For bird enthusiasts, the reserve is a paradise. We often hear the beautiful calls of birds like the Gorgeous Bush-shrike and catch glimpses of more elusive species like the African Finfoot. Along the riverbanks, the birdlife is especially rich, with migratory birds adding colour and sound to the bush. Watching Wahlberg’s Eagles return each summer to nest is one of the many small joys we experience.

This World Animal Day, as we walk with our elephants and explore the wild spaces of our reserve, we celebrate the incredible diversity of wildlife that makes the African bushveld so magical. Each species, big or small, plays a vital role in this delicate ecosystem, and together, we are committed to protecting them for future generations.

You can catch a glimpse of our wildlife from the comfort of your home by watching our LIVE Africam: