Aquila Private Game Reserve in the Western Cape welcomed new animals to their 10,000 hectare conservancy this week.
Situated an hour and 45 minutes from Cape Town, just off the N1, between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Klein Karoo, the game reserve is home to the big 5 and a variety of different antelope.
Enroute to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Pictures: Aquila Private Game Reserve.
Among the new arrivals were two giraffes and a herd of eland. Despite the hot Karoo sun, staff at Aquila Private Game Reserve welcomed the new arrivals with big smiles.
The animals seemed to enjoy their new surroundings, with the eland seen leaping out of the truck to explore its new territory.
Enroute to Aquila Private Game Reserve.
About to see their new home.
The two giraffes getting familiar with their new surroundings.
The two Cape giraffe were taken off specialised trucks, after a long journey from Eastern Cape to the reserve. They kept close to each other as they looked around their new home. These giraffes will strengthen the gene pool.
Owned by Searl Derman, Aquila firmly believes in protecting wild plant and animal species and their habitats.
This is why they are doing everything in their power to create a beautiful home for some of these endangered species.
Lynley Mitchelle of Aquila Private Game Reserve said it was exciting to welcome the first seasonal delivery of animals to their new home this week.
The eland leap out of the truck to see their new surroundings. Pictures: Supplied.
“Their arrival is the first delivery of a substantial investment in a variety of game to boost numbers and to strengthen gene pools. More giraffe, around 20 buffalo, kudu and eland have been purchased with the first 5 arriving at the reserve in early January,” said Mitchelle.
She said while the reserve was open for tourists, Derman was also passionate to strengthen the gene pool and strengthen the numbers.