Elephant translocation and population management.

In most parts of Southern Africa south of the Equator, elephant numbers are increasing as a result of years of successful conservation efforts. But as populations grow, they can begin to outstrip the carrying capacity of protected areas, leading to habitat degradation, competition with other species, and rising human-wildlife conflict—particularly where elephants encroach on farmland or settlements. At Sango, the thriving elephant population became a symbol of conservation success, but also presented serious ecological and management challenges.

To address this, Sango made the decision to relocate 100 elephants to the Rifa Safari Area, more than 700 kilometers away. The operation, carried out between August and September 2018, aimed to reduce pressure on Sango’s habitats while contributing to national elephant recovery goals. This relocation was a critical alternative to culling and played a key role in securing the long-term health of both the elephants and their ecosystem.

The move was made possible through a close collaboration between Sango, the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, the Government of Zimbabwe, and Hemmersbach Rhino Force, who fully funded the operation. The 100 elephants were translocated to Rifa, a former hunting concession along the Zambezi River, where they could contribute to rebuilding a viable, free-roaming population.

This operation marked the first phase of a broader strategy to manage elephant numbers more sustainably. A subsequent translocation took place in 2022, where 101 were moved to the Sapi conservation area, in the Zambezi Valley. Beyond relieving pressure at Sango, these translocations aim to repopulate former elephant ranges with genetically diverse herds, contributing directly to regional conservation goals.