The Zululand Rhino Reserve was established on 1st July 2004. The Reserve consists of 15 landowners which have removed their internal fences in order to create a 20 000 hectare endangered species reserve and in particular to actively promote the conservation of Black Rhino. The reserve lies within the Msunduze valley in north-western Zululand in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. On the 1st of July 2011, Zululand Rhino Reserve officially became a Big 5 reserve with the introduction of 3 male lions. An historical day for conservation, returning lions to an area that they previously inhabited.
The 3 young males have been in a boma at Phinda Game Reserve for the last couple of weeks, until finally the go-ahead was given and they could be bought over to their new home. A few days before they were bought over to ZRR, they were fitted with telemetry collars so that they can keep track of their movements and whereabouts. Once the lions have settled in, and the researchers have an idea of their range, the collars will be removed.
Right now the lions are in a boma here at ZRR, and they will spend a few more weeks in the boma so that they can acclimatise and monitored for any disease that they may have contracted. If they do need any medical assistance, it is much easier for them to be treated in a boma than if they were out roaming around.
If all goes to plan, the females which are from a completely different reserve, and therefore completely new bloodlines, will be joining the males in the boma soon so that they can form bonds and create a cohesive pride, after which they will be released into the reserve.
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