Game Reintroduction in Madikwe

The reintroduction of game species to Madikwe – aka Operation Phoenix – began in early 1991, shortly before the perimeter fence was completed, and finalised in 1997. Operation Phoenix is one the largest game translocation exercises ever undertaken worldwide. Thus far more than 8,000 animals from 28 species have been released into Madikwe, including elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, Cape hunting dog, spotted hyena, giraffe, zebra as well as multiple antelope and herbivore species. Leopards already naturally occurred in Madikwe, so there was no call for reintroduction on this score.

The translocation of Wild Dogs to Madikwe Game Reserve began in 1994. There are between 3 000 and 5 000 of this highly endangered species left in the world, and they can be found only in the larger reserves or uninhabited regions of Southern and Eastern Africa. The founding clan of six Madikwe Wild Dogs came from a breeding station for rare and endangered species and the wild near Kruger National Park.

Since then Madikwe Game Reserve has gone to great lengths to ensure the welfare of its Wild Dog clans and foster their progress which has veered from the successful introduction of new Wild Dogs from other reserves to downright treacherous with some devastating losses suffered due to infighting, lion attacks, and rabies.

Despite Africa’s Wild Dog population dwindling because of susceptibility to disease, the loss of natural habitat, and their unfortunate persecution by humans, the intensive push to conserve and protect these amazing animals means there is hope for future generations.

BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY FOR A CHANCE TO VIEW THE INCREDIBLE WILD DOG CLANS AT MADIKWE GAME RESERVE 

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