In a groundbreaking show of compassion and collaboration, a team of conservationists and local authorities safely guided a herd of 30 elephants away from community areas in KwaZulu-Natal, proving that humane solutions can save lives on all sides.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (31 October 2024) – In an inspiring move to protect both wildlife and the surrounding communities, a collaborative effort by conservation groups and Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) saw the safe relocation of a herd of approximately 30 elephants who had roamed close to human settlements in KwaCeza, KwaZulu-Natal.
On the 24th of October, EKZNW issued an urgent appeal for non-lethal solutions to manage the situation, prompting an immediate and determined response from several NGOs, including Humane Society International/Africa (HSI/Africa) and Wildlife Warriors Africa. Their combined efforts achieved what could have been an impossible task: keeping the elephants and community safe without any harm to either party.
These majestic animals, originating from Mawana Game Reserve, found themselves in a precarious situation, their presence near Esidakaneni a cause for concern among residents. The potential threat to the community was clear, but so was the resolve to find a humane solution. In many cases like this, authorities issue culling permits to prevent further incidents.
But this time, thanks to the swift actions of HSI/Africa, Wildlife Warriors Africa, and other dedicated teams, the elephants were steered away without a single shot fired.
With helicopters unavailable, the NGOs deployed drones, a creative solution that gently directed the herd back toward safer areas away from the community. The intervention was a resounding success, with monitoring continuing until dusk to ensure the elephants maintained a safe distance from the settlements. On the following day, a helicopter was dispatched to guide the herd further back to Mawana Game Reserve. By all accounts, both the elephants and the local residents were calm and safe, a situation everyone had hoped for.
This positive outcome is particularly significant given the history of conflict between elephants and local communities in the area.
Earlier in the year, nine elephants were lost to similar conflicts, leaving many in sorrow over the loss of these intelligent creatures, especially when it was discovered that one elephant was carrying an unborn calf. The involvement of so many passionate individuals and organisations this time is a reminder that alternative solutions can work and that a peaceful coexistence is possible with the right commitment.
Dr Audrey Delsink, Senior Wildlife Director for HSI/Africa, expressed both relief and gratitude following the intervention.
“We are relieved that our efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and prevent potential harm to the Mawana elephant herd and community this week have been successful,” she stated.
“We are grateful to work alongside like-minded partners and EKZNW in the last two days’ interventions. However, the time and opportunity to address this matter should have been taken when the proposals were first submitted more than five months ago.”
HSI/Africa and other NGOs have long championed non-lethal measures for managing elephant populations. Proposals such as temporary fencing, elephant shepherds, and workshops were submitted back in May as part of a comprehensive plan to encourage coexistence between communities and the elephants. While discussions have been pending, the recent event has spurred EKZNW to organise a meeting in November, bringing government, NGOs, and communities together to craft a lasting solution that protects both elephants and humans.
HSI/Africa remains hopeful that the upcoming talks will establish a solid foundation for coexistence in the region. Dr Delsink emphasised the importance of a transparent and collaborative approach, voicing HSI/Africa’s commitment to working alongside EKZNW and the surrounding communities.
“As conservation NGOs supporting EKZNW in their role as management authority, we are aligned with their guidance and await the urgent decisions concerning this elephant herd,” she concluded.
In the end, this story isn’t only about guiding elephants back to safety—it’s about inspiring new ways of thinking and protecting our shared environment. With committed conservationists and community members working together, we’re seeing that peaceful, non-lethal solutions can and do work. As these elephants return to Mawana Game Reserve, they leave behind a powerful message of hope for human-wildlife coexistence in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
In every way, this achievement shines as a moment of unity and resilience, proving that humanity and nature can thrive together.