- LAO TZU, PHILOSOPHER
It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the rewards of our hard work over the years. Landscapes that had barely a blade of grass in 1997 have recovered, the deep orange of the earth now offset by green pockets of hope. We have reintroduced many indigenous species to the reserve that had gone locally extinct. These include cheetah, elephant, black rhinoceros, lion and herds of eland, hartebeest and springbok. We have also had the great joy of witnessing the return of species of their own accord – particularly the vulture and leopard. Highlighted below are some of Samara’s most noteworthy conservation successes.
Sibella: from tortured to treasured
First cheetah back in this region
In 130 years
In 2004, Sibella, a young female cheetah from the North West province, stepped onto Samara soil – making history as she did so.
Read moreThe elusive leopard returns to Samara
The elusive leopard returns
A rewilding victory
We have long known that leopard exist on and around Samara, yet nobody had managed to catch a glimpse of the creature itself. Until recently...
Read moreElephants return to the Plains of Camdeboo
Historic elephant translocation
To the Plains of Camdeboo
Absent from Samara for 150 years, a herd of elephant was released onto the landscape in 2017.
Read moreThe Vanished Kings return
Return of the Vanished Kings
First lions back in 180 years
In 2019, Samara reintroduced the first lions in the region since the Cape lion was exterminated in the 19th century.
Read moreCritically endangered black rhinoceros
Desert-adapted black rhinoceros
Fewer than 5,000 worldwide
In 2013, Samara became the first private property in the region to reintroduce the desert-adapted subspecies of the Critically Endangered black rhino.
Cape Vultures return to the Great Karoo
Cape Vultures return to the Great Karoo
Following ancient migratory patterns
Indicators of healthy ecosystems, the return of these endangered vultures to Samara is a huge cause for celebration.
Read moreEndangered Cape Mountain zebra
Cape mountain zebra
A species that has recovered from the brink of extinction
Samara reintroduced the first Cape mountain zebra in the region onto private land.
Read more
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