Ongoing post-release monitoring in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) remains a cornerstone of cheetah conservation. The team has also extended support to other reserves welcoming new cheetahs, sharing expertise to ensure successful integration. In January, Gareth assisted with post-release monitoring at Thula Thula, helping track and support the newly released individuals. This was followed by a visit to uMphafa in May, where guidance was provided to ensure the cheetahs were settling in well. These efforts form part of our ongoing partnership with EWT and EKZNW, supporting the relocation and management of the cheetah metapopulation across KwaZulu-Natal.
To further support conservation efforts in HiP, the fence team, with assistance from Wildlife ACT, dedicated time to repairing and upgrading the park’s holding facilities. These secure bomas are essential for relocations, reintroductions, and injury recovery.
The timing of this work proved critical: just days later, three cheetah cubs left the reserve in poor condition. Thanks to the swift combined efforts of the EKZNW and Wildlife ACT monitoring team, the cubs were safely captured and placed in one of the newly refurbished holding facilities, where they are now receiving care and support to improve their condition.
Today, HiP has three fully refurbished bomas, carefully maintained by both the fence and monitoring teams, providing a safe and functional environment for the cheetahs and other wildlife under our care.