
Photo taken in Addo Elephant National Park by Hanne Neijland
Join us in a heartwarming journey as Bellevue’s giants return to their ancestral home.
“Elephants, with their immense presence and gentle souls, remind us of our responsibility to protect the wild spaces they call home.”
Jane Goodall
Deep within the heart of South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park, on the 23rd of August 2023, an enchanting narrative of heritage, hope, and homecoming unfurled. It was a journey unlike any other. A family group of elephants (comprising two adult females, each with two female calves, and three young bulls) embarked on an extraordinary journey homeward.
Upon their arrival at Bellevue, the elephant family wasted no time in enthusiastically exploring their new environment, all the while relishing prickly pears, a beloved treat. They were warmly received by the resident buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, and other wildlife, which graciously welcomed these colossal companions.
Many decades ago, Bellevue Forest Reserve in the Eastern Cape was a refuge where elephants roamed freely, leading to its endearing nickname, “Olifantskop” or Elephant’s Head. Notably, this sanctuary briefly hosted the renowned elephants Hapoor and Bellevue, famous for their escapes from Addo Elephant National Park. Now, after 75 years, their descendants have returned to reclaim Bellevue as their home once more.
The triumph of this monumental endeavour stands as a shining example of the concerted efforts of South African National Parks (SANParks) and Bellevue Forest Reserve. A group of skilled wildlife capture experts from Conservation Solutions, under the adept leadership of Kester Vickery, meticulously coordinated the safe capture and relocation of these magnificent elephants.This approach marked a significant departure from the conventional practice of relocating elephants one by one. The feat was made possible through the generous funding from the Wildlife Emergency Fund, founded by U.S. donors John and Mary Lee Malcolm, their son Andrew, and South African Director of the UK-based Aspinall Foundation, Dereck Milburn.
Addo Elephant National Park has an illustrious track record in elephant conservation, prioritizing the welfare of these magnificent animals. Translocations like this one play a pivotal role in enriching genetic diversity and expanding elephant habitats, thereby significantly contributing to the preservation of the species. For Loodt Buchner, the proprietor of Bellevue Forest Reserve, who aptly described this moment as a “groundbreaking event in the evolution of Bellevue Forest Reserve,” it represents the realization of a cherished dream. It also underscores the fruitful partnership between Addo Elephant National Park and Bellevue Forest Reserve, jointly paving the way to safeguard the land’s rich heritage and ensure a thriving future for its iconic inhabitants.
We wish this elephant family well as they continue to explore, thrive, and contribute to the legacy of this remarkable sanctuary. May their presence be a symbol of hope, reminding us all of the importance of preserving the natural world.
Visit Where It All Began for more travel insights and opportunities to become part of South Africa’s conservation success story !
Source: Bellevue Forest Reserve