The Centre will offer vocational training to improve local wildlife management and tourism skills. From August 2003, students (from local schools) will be able to discover the wonder of nature on day outings. The Conservation Centre will also offer international students the opportunity to assist with the development of Centre and to participate in its various projects.
-to identify and support research projects that provide ecological and social information relevant to the management of the reserve and to wildlife conservation in general.

The Centre is currently involved with Dr William Fowlds in tracking and monitoring the 10 new elephant, one of which wears a tracking collar. A base-line study of the Bushman’s River, which flows through the reserve, will begin in July 2003.
-to encourage and advise on various conservation projects which will ensure the conservation of biodiversity and functioning of ecological systems.

Initially, re-introduction projects will investigate the possible of reintroduction of Cape vultures and leopards into the reserve and the wider area.

As a result of the devastating drought in Northern Zululand, Amakhala Game Reserve has relocated a family group of 10 elephants from Phinda Game Reserve there. They were humanely captured and carefully transported 1600 kilometres to the Eastern Cape.

Dr Michael Knight (South African National Parks Board) assessed the Reserve before the reintroduction of elephant. The carrying capacity of 22 will only be reached in13 years.
To meet the requirements of the larger animals, the perimeter fence has been electrified, ranger training has been extended and new staff employed.
To monitor the elephants and their impact on the vegetation, field observation and GPS technology will provide the information for sound management policies.

The initial costs of the Amakhala Elephant Project were enormous – capture, relocation, tracking equipment and insurance. The second phase of the project will involve relocating adult bulls from Addo Elephant Park to Amakhala.

The Sindisa Foundation, a private, non-profit organisation, has recently assisted the establishment of the Amakhala Conservation Centre, an environmental education and research facility. The Foundation will assist the Elephant Project by funding a GIS tracking collar, field research assistants and equipment.
The Foundation will also manage all the funds raised to support the Amakhala Elephant Project through a dedicated account audited by Deloitte & Touche.

Amakhala Game Reserve invites you to make a donation to the Foundation through its parent organisation the Biodiversity Trust. The funds will be used specifically for the Elephant Project. Donors will be acknowledged through the Foundation Newsletter, and will also decide on the use of any surplus funds.
All involved in this Project to re-establish elephant in their former home and in the rescue of Zululand’s threatened animals look forward to a successful partnership in an effort to restore and conserve Africa’s wildlife heritage.