Stone Ranger: SanWild Farm

A few weeks ago Ms. Dig asked for some more information about the “Farm”, which is what they call the Sanctuary. SanWild was set up about 13 years ago by Louise Joubert as a trust to rescue, rehabilitate and provide a safe home for wildlife. The Sanctuary itself covers about 6000 ha and is located between Phalaborwa and Tzaneen in Limpopo Province (I will deliberately not be any more specific than this). Given the relatively small size of the farm, a lot of research goes into ecologically sustainable stocking of numbers to ensure that a fully viable ecosystem is maintained. Unfortunately this means that some animals cannot be released to free roam on the farm. For example we have a pack of 18 African Wild Dogs, which are an endangered species. This number is about the minimum number for a pack to be viable and effectively hunt, however the Farm is too small to sustain a pack this size free roaming. Therefore at this stage they are kept in a large enclosure and fed about 4 times a week. The good news is that there is a possible resettlement option in the pipeline on a large reserve which would mean they will be able to free roam, the ultimate aim for all of our animals.

As previously mentioned, SanWild is a trust and relies primarily on donations and sponsorship to operate. We also try and raise money for the Trust by encouraging eco tourism on the Farm. There are two ‘Camps’, Bukisa Camp which is a self cater camp and Savannah Camp, which is fully catered and serviced. If you want to find out more have a look at the SanWild Website.

Most countries in the world are struggling with significant threats to wildlife, primarily from habitat destruction, impact of feral animals (cane toads in Australia ar a classic example) or human predation for subsistence. However since I have come to South Africa I have realised that the greatest threat on this continent to wildlife is human greed. In the western world we have all grown up watching documentaries about the wonderful wildlife on the African continent, and lets face it, for most of us it is a dream to see it in the wild. Therefore, try to imagine your children or grandchildren growing up in a world where there are no such animals as rhinos, and the only place that they will be able to see them is on those old documentaries, with the root cause of this being purely human greed.

As the header to my blog states we can all do our own small piece to preserve the future, within our own means. Even purchasing a two dollar save a rhino band or sticker can help. Just by being aware and discussing these issues with friends we can help combat this poaching. If you want to make a grander gesture and possibly fulfil a dream to see these animals, why not consider coming to SanWild for a holiday. You can get the luxury treatment and help preserve the future. Sounds like a good deal to me!

Well, my information on the farm seems to have turned into an unashamed plug for support! Just remember awareness is the first step to preserving our future, and no gesture is too small (or too big if you happen to have a fortune and are looking to give some of it away). Enjoy the photos below.

Bukisa Gate, the main access to the SanWild Sanctuary, with the Anti Poaching Unit Bakkie in the foreground.

Part of our Eastern Fenceline, which is typical of the game fence which surrounds the Farm, about 2.5m high with a number of electric wires (the only thing that will stop an elephant). In fact this game fence is fairly typical of most fences around Farms in South Africa.