Shamwari TV

19/12/2023

Elephants are highly social animals. They form strong bonds within their family groups. Staying together helps maintain strong social connections, reinforce relationships and provide emotional support.

15/12/2023

Join us this week for an exclusive episode where Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney embarks on an incredible expedition across the stunning landscapes of South Africa. In this captivating journey, Andrew heads to Johannesburg to collect an Autogyro, or Gyroplane, a crucial addition to the reserve’s arsenal in its tireless dedication to conservation.

So, come witness this inspiring voyage as Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney charts the skies, uniting technology, dedication, and passion for a cause that resonates deeply with the ethos of Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Join us this week for an exclusive episode where Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney embarks on an incredible expedition across the stunning landscapes of South Af...

11/12/2023

Elephants truly are larger than life. As the largest land mammals they are know for their incredible size, intelligence and gentle nature.

04/12/2023

As they grow older and become more sexually mature, male white rhinos tend to become more solitary and territorial. They establish and defend territories that encompass areas with resources and good grazing grounds, which they mark with dung and scent markings to communicate their presence.

02/12/2023

https://youtu.be/sV2OwAtjJjE

In celebration of BirdLife South Africa , we welcome you to join us on an extraordinary conservation odyssey where the wonders of nature come alive. Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney delves into the inspiring resurgence of the red-billed Oxpecker - once regionally extinct and now flourishing once again.

Our dedicated wildlife and conservation team initiates a fresh conservation project - the reintroduction of the majestic cape vulture and revered white-backed vulture to the reserve and the greater region. Join us for an exciting episode and be part of this restoration journey, contributing to another pivotal chapter in Shamwari Private Game Reserve’s unwavering dedication to conserving a vanishing way of life.

Join us on an extraordinary conservation odyssey where the wonders of nature come alive. Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney delves into the inspiring resurgence o...

27/11/2023

The beloved nomad is well and thriving. We spotted him on a hot day on the reserve while he headed towards a watering hole to satisfy his thirst. We anticipate providing another update soon so keep an eye out for fresh content on him.

21/11/2023

🦁Meet the majestic King in the South 🌿

Male lions contribute to the social structure by maintaining stability within the pride. They establish dominance, ensuring order and minimising conflicts among pride members. Additionally, their imposing presence often serves as a deterrent, dissuading potential threats from encroaching upon the prides territory.

13/11/2023

Know for their cautious and meticulous approach to hunting, cheetahs are the ultimate precision predators. Their distinctive ‘tear marks’ aren’t just for show - they help to reflect the sun, enhancing focus during a hunt.

10/11/2023

https://youtu.be/XM2APas4MDA

After years of enduring a relentless drought, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is witnessing a remarkable transformation as the long-lost river finally makes its triumphant return. Nature's resilience and determination have shone through, offering a renewed sense of hope to the ecosystem.

As the river meanders through the landscape, it becomes a lifeline for the entire ecosystem. The once-scarce water sources are replenished, offering respite to the diverse array of animals that call this landscape home.

After years of enduring a relentless drought, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is witnessing a remarkable transformation as the long-lost river finally makes it...

01/11/2023

We can’t wait🤩

AND THE BIG NEWS IS FINALLY OUT!

Africa’s largest vulture relocation project gets the green light

The largest relocation of vultures ever undertaken reached a critical milestone, when approval was granted to move a first tranche of 155 birds to a new home in the Eastern Cape.

Now that the Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment has given the green light, work is underway on a bespoke facility at Shamwari Private Game Reserve adjacent to its existing Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Vulpro at Shamwari will be the new home for the Cape and African White-backed Vultures which will be transported from their current home at VulPro’s Hartebeespoort Dam facility in late January during the first phase of the two-year relocation programme.

VulPro is the only vulture conservation facility of its kind on the continent and is spearheading population restocking and supplementation to address the severe decline of African vulture species.

VulPro CEO, Kerri Wolter, says that the partnership with Shamwari will create a safe area for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes.

”Vultures with their important and efficient ecosystem services are a significant addition to the ethos Shamwari has created in restoring a natural and well-balanced ecosystem. In addition the stability and financial support that Shamwari brings provides sustainability to Vulpro’s breeding programme and the future of vultures in South Africa.”

She explains that the vultures being moved to VulPro at Shamwari are all non-releasable breeding birds. After the Cape and African white-backed vultures move in January, a second phase will see non-releasable breeding pairs of Lappet-faced, White-headed and Hooded Vultures and some additional White-backed Vultures being relocated.

The Cape Vulture offspring will be released on Shamwari and will all be fitted with tracking devices. The remaining species’ offspring will be transported back to VulPro’s Hartebeespoort facility where they will be sent to release sites that the National Vulture breeding Steering Committee has identified as areas where the species needs bolstering and support.

Joe Cloete, Shamwari CEO, says that in conservation terms the project is as significant as anything that has been done on the reserve over the past 30 years.

The Shamwari conservation project began in 1992 when it started trying to reverse nearly 300 years of human impact by reintroducing elephant, white rhino and hippo in 1992. Black rhino and buffalo followed in 1993/4. Cheetah, lion and brown hyena were brought back in 2000 and serval and leopard the next year, making Shamwari the first big-five game reserve in the Eastern Cape.

“Vultures play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, are part of our natural heritage and are severely threatened. I cannot overstate how reintroducing Cape Vultures is a critical step in the continuing evolution of our conservation journey and enhancing the ecological importance of the reserve.”

About

VulPro’s mission is to protect vultures through collaboration and innovation

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is the embodiment of a bold, ambitious conservation project that has turned back the clock, restoring a piece of Africa’s natural heritage to what it once was.

Contacts

Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Joe Cloete, CEO 042 203 1111, [email protected]

VulPro: Kerri Wolter, CEO 082 808 5113, [email protected]

28/10/2023

Join us this week as we bring you an update from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We're thrilled to share the incredible progress the current residents have made over the past few months as they continue their journey to rehabilitation and their eventual return to the wild. We also have an exciting addition to the family: a new black-backed Jackal cub has recently joined our small group at the centre.

Join us this week as we bring you an update from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We're thrilled to share the incredible progress the current residents ha...

23/10/2023

Plains game encompass a wide variety of species, including iconic animals like zebra, various antelope, and more. The diversity of wildlife ensures that every moment on safari is unique and filled with excitement.

16/10/2023

The female cheetah making her way through the southern part is the reserve.

13/10/2023

The cherished nomadic lion has become a real favourite with our audience, and we often receive inquiries about his well-being on the reserve. We're truly excited about consistently sharing updates on this remarkable male, even though keeping tabs on him can prove quite tricky given his nomadic tendencies.

Join us this week as we present some fresh footage of the nomadic lion that we've been able to capture in the past few weeks.

The cherished nomadic lion has become a real favourite with our audience, and we often receive inquiries about his well-being on the reserve. We're truly exc...

09/10/2023

Male waterbucks has distinctive appearance and behaviour related to scent-marking. They are known to have a strong, musky odour, which is described as unpleasant. The smell is produced by specialised sweat glands located on their faces. These glands secrete a substance that is oily and pungent. They will use this musky scent to mark their territory and establish dominance.

02/10/2023

Aggressive yawn! Big cats often exhibit lazy behaviour and yawn a lot, especially after their long naps. When times perfectly, their expressions can appear notably fierce.

27/09/2023

Leopards are highly adaptable, aided by a relaxed approach to sustenance, a natural tendency towards secrecy and an unrivalled ability to disappear in plain sight. This is turn has resulted in leopards having the most extensive distribution range of any big cat on the planet.

22/09/2023

Celebrate World Rhino Day with us, as Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney embarks into the wilderness of the reserve to observe these incredible creatures.

His mission is to explore the intricate methods of communication among rhinos, revealing that it's not as straightforward as one might assume.

Celebrate World Rhino Day with us, as Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney embarks into the wilderness of Shamwari Private Game Reserve to observe these incredible ...

18/09/2023

Cheetahs are an endangered species, and their population is declining due to habitat loss and poaching. Their rarity and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them make them even more precious and beautiful to many people.

11/09/2023

The formidable southern male lion, with a majestic and commanding presence, conducting a patrol within his territory.

08/09/2023

As dawn breaks, Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney heads out on an early drive on the reserve. With the bush coming to life around him, a specific area with numerous signs of scavenger activity draws his attention.

Brown hyenas and jackals dart in and out of this area, suggesting a bountiful feast for these opportunistic carnivores. As the narrative unfolds it becomes apparent that a significantly larger predator is also seizing the opportunity at hand.

As dawn breaks, Ranger Manager Andrew Kearney heads out on an early drive on the reserve. With the bush coming to life around him, a specific area with numer...

04/09/2023

The elusive leopard, a true symbol of solace and tranquility within nature.

28/08/2023

It’s always a privilege to spend the last light of day with these amazing big cats. Nature never ceases to impress. 🦁❤️🌅

26/08/2023

Join us today for an unforgettable game drive, guided by none other than our esteemed ranger manager Andrew Kearney.

As Andrew heads out for a quick morning drive nature's vibrant canvas comes alive with activity, beckoning us to immerse ourselves in its wonders. Every moment becomes an opportunity to witness the intricacies of the animal kingdom up close. From the majestic stride of elephants to the nimble movements of elusive big cats, the reserve pulsates with the rhythm of untamed life.

Join us today for an unforgettable game drive, guided by none other than our esteemed ranger manager Andrew Kearney.As Andrew heads out for a quick morning d...

21/08/2023

Elephants are highly social due to their matriarchal herd structure, where older females lead closely related members. This structure facilitates knowledge transfer, cooperative care of young, and against threats. Sharing resources like food and water, along with intricate communication through vocalisation and body language, strengthen group cohesion.

14/08/2023

Young elephants, like many other animals, engage in play fighting for a variety of reasons. Play fighting is a common behaviour and helps with physical development, social bonding, communication and hierarchy development.

11/08/2023

As an ongoing commitment to conservation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has introduced a duo of female cheetahs into the reserve. This strategic initiative aims to foster a robust and thriving population of wild cheetahs within the reserve. Join Head Ranger Andrew Kearney on a journey to track the progress of these two female cheetahs as he provides valuable insights into their successful acclimatisation to their new habitat.

As an ongoing commitment to conservation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has introduced a duo of female cheetahs into the reserve. This strategic initiative a...

07/08/2023

We are excited to finally bring you our latest episode on the newly introduced female cheetahs on . Join us on Friday as we locate them in our brand new episode and see how they are adapting to their new environment. Follow the usual links on our page and join us on safari THIS FRIDAY 😁.

01/08/2023

Check this out 👇

01/08/2023

The cheetah is built for agility and velocity. Her slender frame, adorned with the signature black streaks running from her eyes to her mouth, lends it and air of mystery and allure. She knows the art of stealth, her movements calculated and deliberate. In the presence of this awe-inspiring creature, one cannot help but be humbled by the wonders of the natural world.

31/07/2023

Anti-poaching units serve as the guardians of our precious wildlife. They are the unsung heroes, patrolling the wilderness day and night, braving harsh elements and formidable challenges. Armed not just with weapons, but with knowledge, empathy, and a deep reverence for nature's wonders, they serve as a beacon of resilience.

On this World Ranger Day let us celebrate the brave souls of the anti-poaching units. Through their tireless efforts, they help ensure the safety of our wildlife and the beauty of nature remains an enduring legacy for all mankind. But their fight is not over, and so, together, we must stand beside them, supporting their noble cause and ensuring that the symphony of life continues to resonate throughout our planet.

https://youtu.be/jQVC9Ei6HqU

Anti-poaching units serve as the guardians of our precious wildlife. They are the unsung heroes, patrolling the wilderness day and night, braving harsh eleme...

24/07/2023

We had an amazing time tracking the southern male as he patrolled his territory. The pride has recently feasted on a giraffe carcass, and during our observation, we were fortunate to witness some truly remarkable interactions between this male and two newly introduced cheetah on . Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing this captivating story with you soon.

17/07/2023

For nearly three days, we dedicated our time to tracking two female cheetah on . These cheetahs were recently introduced to the reserve as part of conservation initiatives and have remarkably adjusted to their new environment. We anticipate providing you with a prompt update on their remarkable progress.

14/07/2023

Elephants are highly intelligent and deeply social beings, with an intricate network of relationships within their tightly-knit families. At the heart of their social structure lies their remarkable communication system.

In the world of elephants, communication is the lifeblood that holds their society together. It allows them to maintain strong bonds, share knowledge, and ensure the safety and well-being of their kin. It is through this intricate web of sounds, gestures, and vibrations that these magnificent creatures navigate their world with remarkable grace and harmony.

Elephants are highly intelligent and deeply social beings, with an intricate network of relationships within their tightly-knit families. At the heart of the...

10/07/2023

*UPDATE COMING SOON*

As the weather improves, we embark on a fresh week , presenting an ideal opportunity to pursue the nomadic male lion. Our aim is to locate him and provide you with and update at the earliest opportunity.

03/07/2023

In the vast and untamed wilderness, the male lion stands as the emblem of power and prowess. With a magnificent mane that crowns it’s noble visage, it commands attention. The male lion’s role is vital in the prides hierarchy, defending their territory and ensuring the safety of those offspring. Witnessing the male lion in all it’s glory is to witness the embodiment of strength and regality in the animal kingdom. Truly, a sight that leaves one captivated by nature’s grandeur.

26/06/2023

The Marshall eagle is an impressive and powerful bird of prey native to Africa. With its large size, distinctive appearance, and territorial behaviour, it commands attention in it’s natural habitat. As a to predator, it’s plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its ecosystem.

19/06/2023

The young southern male from the southern pride.

12/06/2023

Cheetah inhabit environments where they face multiple threats, including competition with other predators, such as lions and hyenas. Being alert allows them to stay aware of their surroundings, detect any potential danger, and react promptly to escape or defend themselves. This heightened state of alertness helps them survive and avoid potential life-threatening situations.

09/06/2023

https://youtu.be/R9hMram7U9c

At Shamwari Private Game Reserves Wildlife Rehabilitation Center the dedicated team has been working tirelessly to prepare the meerkats for their return to the wild. For three long years, these meerkats have undergone extensive rehabilitation, learning essential survival skills and regaining their natural instincts. Now, they are ready to be reintroduced into their natural habitat.

Meerkats are highly social creatures, and they thrive in colonies. To ensure their successful reintegration into the wild, it was crucial to wait until there were enough meerkats to form a stable colony. This waiting period has not only tested the patience of the rehabilitation team but has also allowed us to witness the amazing resilience and determination of these remarkable animals.

Join us on this extraordinary journey as the team undertakes the final step to rehabilitate the meerkats back into the wild.