Cuatir Natural Reserve welcomes elephants

Successful Capture and Release of Seven Elephants from Mount Etjo Safari Lodge to Cuatir Nature Reserve, Angola

In a coordinated and humane effort to address the impact of a severe drought affecting Namibia, Mount Etjo Safari Lodge has successfully captured and relocated seven of about fifty elephants residing at the reserve. These majestic animals were captured on the 5th August and safely released at Cuatir Nature Reserve in Angola on the 7th August. This will be the first time in 50 years that the Angolan reserve will be home to elephants again.

The decision to relocate the elephants was driven by the need to manage the wildlife population at Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, which exceeded the area’s carrying capacity due to the ongoing drought. The relocation was essential to prevent further stress on both the elephants and the local ecosystem. Within the next weeks, another 10-20 animals will be relocated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government officials who played a crucial role in facilitating this tremendous team effort. The support and expertise of the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the Namibian Police Force and Namibian Veterinary Services were vital in ensuring the safe and smooth transfer of the elephants across borders. On the Angolan side, we thank the Institute Nacional Bioversidade e Concervação, State Vet Services Angola, Angolan Custom Services and the Angolan Immigration services at border, the Provincial Government of Cuando Cubango. Furthermore, this operation would not have been possible without the dedicated work of passionate veterinarians Dr HO Reuter, Dr Ulf Tubbesing, his assistant Mariska Bijsterbosch and Mr Frank Schatz.
A special thanks is also owed to Mr. Stefan van Wyk and Dr Mike Chase, whose dedication and leadership were instrumental throughout this complex process. Their unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation has made this successful operation possible.
Mount Etjo Safari Lodge remains committed to the preservation and protection of wildlife. This relocation effort underscores our dedication to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Africa’s wildlife.