KwaZulu-Natal: The Babanango Game Reserve is now home to the "Big 5"!
The Babanango Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal has announced its "Big 5" status.
The 20 000 hectare reserve is now home to lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard and elephant and many more species of importance. The reintroduction of the "Big 5" commenced in 2019, with the introduction of white and black rhinos as well as buffalo. Soon after, leopards returned on their own to area and settled in the Game Reserve.
Earlier this year, Babanango Game Reserve reintroduced two male lions, soon to be joined by several females. In June 2023, a small breeding herd of seven elephants were brought in from Manyoni Game Reserve.
This introduction of elephants served as the final piece of the Big 5 "puzzle".
Babanango Game Reserve has carefully introduced over 2 400 endemic animals. Many of these species have not roamed the undulating hills and valleys of Babanango for nearly 150 years.
