Mzimkulu Hide is temporarily closed to humans, but the local wildlife is breaking in a brand new pond, and a few VIP guests have already stopped by!

Drakensberg, South Africa (11 March 2026) – While the Mzimkulu Hide remains closed due to the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, teams from Wildlife ACT have continued working behind the scenes to look after the area’s Vulture Safe Feeding Site.

As part of those efforts, a new water pond was recently installed near the hide to create an additional water source for wildlife and, eventually, a new photographic opportunity for visiting guests.

During a routine visit, Wildlife ACT’s Malibongwe Sibiya spotted two Bearded Vultures taking a dip at the site, alongside an appearance made by a majestic Verreaux’s Eagle.

“During a recent weekly monitoring and maintenance session, Southern Drakensberg Priority Species Monitor, Malibongwe Sibiya, was fortunate to observe two Bearded Vultures and a Verreaux’s eagle on site – an encouraging reminder of the positive impact of these ongoing efforts” says says Wildlife ACT’s Southern Drakensberg Coordinator, Lexi Theocharopoulos.

Any sighting of a Bearded Vulture should be regarded as special. The species is listed as Critically Endangered in southern Africa, with only an estimated 50 to 100 breeding pairs remaining across South Africa and Lesotho. Their numbers have sadly declined due to threats including poisoning, habitat loss, collisions with powerlines, and contaminated food sources.

This is where Wildlife ACT’s work makes a difference. Their conservationists work closely with partners and landowners to create and look after safe feeding sites, ensuring vulture species have access to uncontaminated food in areas free from major threats.

The presence of a Verreaux’s Eagle during the same sighting was another good sign! While currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, its appearance is proof that these protected feeding sites can offer real sanctuary for our raptors.

If you would like to support the work that Wildlife ACT does, follow this link for more info.

Sources: Linked above.

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Borders don’t stop conservationists from saving wildlife. This mission spanned two countries to save one endangered Cape Vulture.

KwaZulu-Natal (24 February 2026) – A vulture response group in South Africa was recently called to action when a juvenile Cape Vulture was found injured.

With no facilities in the highlands of Lesotho that could care for it, the call leapt over the border.

“With no resources to look after the bird, the call for help was to our vulture response group in South Africa. But, you can’t just go and collect an animal from another country…” shared FreeMe Widlife. “A few days in, and it was clear the bird’s condition was deteriorating. As much as we wanted to just rush in and rescue it, there were the legal implications to consider.” shared FreeMe. 

Conservation knows no bounds, especially when there is an endangered species involved. Two countries, multiple authorities, a response team and a wildlife rehab centre all banded together to give this bird a chance at survival.

“Proving that no obstacle is insurmountable, everyone pulled together. The conservation authorities in Lesotho applied for a CITES permit to export the endangered bird to South Africa, and with the backing of our conservation authorities, we applied for a CITES permit to import the bird to FreeMe Wildlife.” the organisation shared.

Once the paperwork was in place, the Wildlife ACT team undertook the long journey into a remote part of Lesotho to collect the young vulture and bring it safely to FreeMe Wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal, where it is now currently in care.

“From being at death’s door, this Cape Vulture is improving steadily. Initially on fluids, the sheer volume of rubbish excreted must have made the bird feel a lot better! With its gastrointestinal tract functioning, we introduced a nutritious ‘soup’ packed with protein, fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals which was tube fed to the bird for the first few days. And once the bird started protesting the handling and tube feeding (which is a good sign that strength is returning) we introduced small amounts of solid food.” shared FreeMe. 

All signs point toward a strong recovery.

Sadly, this vulture won’t be able to return to the wild. A harsh reality posed by the existing threats that push the species closer toward the red line.

“The bird is alive and recovering well, but sadly a broken wing tip means it will never be able to be returned to the wild,” shares FreeMe.

FreeMe’s core mission is always rehabilitation and release. But in the case of endangered species like the Cape Vulture there are carefully managed, permitted breeding and reintroduction programmes where non-releasable individuals can still contribute to the survival of the species.

Even if the juvenile Cape Vulture might never be able to fly again, it has a second chance at life and over-time, a chance to positively impact its species overall, too.

“But for now, this is one more life saved, thanks to the efforts of so many people. After everything was done, the vulture was settled into our ICU unit and will get round the clock care and monitoring to get it stronger again.” shares FreeMe. 

Sources: Linked above.

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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There is still loss. Rhinos still need to be fiercely protected. But in a glimmer of hope, the numbers are moving in the right direction.

South Africa (11 February 2026) – Rhino poaching in South Africa declined by 16% in 2025 compared to 2024. The positive news is thanks to ongoing anti-poaching and anti-trafficking efforts across the country.

“From January to December 2025, 352 rhinos were poached in South Africa, with 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms. This was a decrease of 68 in comparison to 420 rhinos poached in 2024,” said Minister Aucamp.

Conservation isn’t a straight line. Some areas are seeing improvements, others remain under pressure. But taken nationally, the data shows that sustained, collaborative effort is beginning to make a measurable difference.

Mpumalanga has unfortunately recorded the highest losses, with 178 rhinos poached in 2025, most of them in the Kruger National Park. Kruger alone lost 175 rhinos last year, a sharp increase from 88 in 2024.

But in KwaZulu-Natal, there’s been a shift in the other direction.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park saw poaching numbers drop from 198 in 2024 to just 63 in 2025. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife attributes this to closer collaboration between conservation authorities and private rhino owners through the Integrated Wildlife Zones programme, alongside the support from partners like WWF, Save the Rhino International, Wildlife ACT and the Peace Parks Foundation.

Strategic dehorning, advanced camera technologies and sensor systems, improved early-warning capability, and strengthened internal integrity processes have all played a role in stabilising pressure on rhino populations in the province.

Conservation isn’t just about boots on the ground. It’s also about courtrooms and financial investigations.

Through the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT), authorities have strengthened collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Environmental Management Inspectorate (the ‘Green Scorpions’), and other specialised units.

That coordination recently led to the conviction of ZM Muiambo (also known as Thomas Chauke), who was found guilty on 19 charges related to illegal rhino hunting and associated crimes. He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in April 2025.

Cases are increasingly being centralised so courts can see the full scope of syndicate operations and not just isolated incidents. Rhino poaching isn’t random. It’s organised crime. And tackling it as such is critical.

A 16% decline doesn’t mean the crisis is over. 352 rhinos is still far too many. But it does mean that coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts across government, private reserves, NGOs, law enforcement and communities can make a big difference.

South Africa was also recognised internationally for its enforcement efforts last year, receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award for work combatting transboundary environmental crimes.

“South Africa continues to strengthen its international collaboration to curbing rhino poaching and wildlife trafficking. These efforts led to the country receiving the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence Award late last year, which celebrates excellence in enforcement by government officials, institutions and teams combatting transboundary environmental crimes,” said Minister Aucamp.

“Working together with the South African anti-poaching and anti-trafficking organisations, we remain committed to a balanced, intelligence-driven, and partnership-based approach to rhino protection, recognising that sustained success requires constant adaptation, integrity, and cooperation across all sectors,” he added.

Sources: Linked above

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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Three African Wild Dogs are now roaming across the KZN reserve. Hopefully, once they’ve settled in, they’ll begin breeding naturally, with pups to follow!

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (03 December 2025) – In a conservation mission that involved the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Wildlife ACT, Wildlife Solutions Africa and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, critically endangered African Wild Dogs are once again roaming the private reserve near Ladysmith.

“These beautiful, endangered animals play such an important role in the ecosystem, and welcoming them back feels like restoring a missing piece of the puzzle.” shares Nambiti.

The current pack consists of three individuals. There’s an alpha female, an alpha male, and a beta male. Within this structure, a pecking order is established. Their survival will depend on how well they hunt together.

“Our teams will be keeping a close eye on them as they settle in and start exploring their new home.” shares Nambiti. “They’ll remain in the boma for a short adaptation period before being released onto the reserve, giving them the time they need to settle and adjust to their new environment.”

Along with the good news, the team also shared a video of their release into the boma, marking the first moments that African Wild Dogs set foot on the reserve again.

African Wild Dogs’ numbers are declining. Thankfully, there are many conservation initiatives working to protect the species again. Every milestone in wild dog news is important!

Sources: Linked above

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Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Conservationists will now be able to monitor the vulnerable species more closely in one of the oldest and most protected areas in SA, where their population is robust!

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (28 October 2025) – In Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, two cheetahs recently got their tracking collars!

Wildlife ACT, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, African Wildlife Vets, and the Forever Wild Foundation waited out tricky weather for days before they could safely dart and fit them. Cheetahs are extra sensitive because of their enlarged hearts, so the timing had to be right. After some tense days, the team managed to pull it off.

Collaring is a vital tool that we don’t speak about enough.

It helps conservationists manage wildlife effectively, especially vulnerable and intensively managed species like the cheetah. Each of the two new units fitted to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s cats contains satellite and VHF components that allow for close monitoring.

“Real-time tracking through both VHF and satellite collars has changed what’s possible for our teams,” says Gareth Robinson, Wildlife ACT Senior Field Technician. “Satellite data gives us the wide view of how individuals use the landscape, while VHF tracking lets us locate them directly in the field. Together, they allow us to respond quickly to threats and build the knowledge needed to manage this population effectively into the future.”

That data does more than tell scientists where a cheetah’s been wandering.

It helps catch problems early. If an animal stops moving, it could be a sign of illness or a snare. It also paints the bigger picture of how the population is doing, whether individuals are breeding, and which animals could be candidates for translocations to boost genetic diversity elsewhere.

“Hluhluwe-iMfolozi’s Cheetah population are now in a position to make an important contribution to the national metapopulation,” explained Danielle Theron, Wildlife ACT’s Big Cat Programme Manager. “Monitoring, utilising collaring as a tool, allows us to identify individuals for potential translocations, track reproductive success, and ensure that this population continues to strengthen both locally and nationally.”

And Hluhluwe’s cheetah population is especially important. It’s one of the stronger groups in KwaZulu-Natal, meaning it can feed into the national metapopulation, which is essentially a network of cheetah populations managed together to stop inbreeding and keep the species resilient.

With only about 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild, keeping track (literally) matters.

“This operation has given us the foundation we need to carry the work forward,” said Danielle. “Each collar fitted adds to our ability to monitor individuals daily and to ensure Hluhluwe-iMfolozi remains a stronghold for Cheetah conservation in KwaZulu-Natal.”

Sources: Supplied

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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park celebrates the arrival of a new litter from the Munywaneni Pack, as playful pups explore their sheltered rocky den, captured through non-intrusive camera traps that help support conservation efforts

Hluhluwe ,South Africa (23 October 2025) – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is celebrating the arrival of a new litter of African Wild Dog pups from the Munywaneni Pack in the Hluhluwe Section. This season, the pack chose a sheltered rocky valley beneath a towering weeping boerbean tree, surrounded by boulders and natural crevices. This is a perfect den site to keep their young safe and cool during the critical early months.

Thanks to black-flash camera traps, kindly supported by Science-Based Ingredients, park teams have captured adorable and rare footage of the pups in their natural habitat. From playful tumbles to nuzzling each other and returning triumphantly from early lessons in hunting, the cameras provide an intimate, non-intrusive window into their development without disturbing the pack.

In the coming weeks, the pups will venture further with the adults, learning the skills and social behaviours essential to life as a wild dog. Every observation that is recorded feeds into the management of the KZN Wild Dog metapopulation, a vital part of South Africa’s conservation efforts. Whether tracking hunting patterns or monitoring den activity.

Wildlife ACT, in collaboration with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, continues to dedicate itself to protecting the Munywaneni Pack, ensuring their safety and helping secure the survival of these endangered predators. Science-based ingredients and the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust have been supporting this vital conservation work.

Watching the pups develop and explore safely with their pack is a small reminder of the impact of careful conservation efforts.

Sources: Wildlife ACT- Focused Conservation 

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Hooded Vultures are down to as few as 100-200 mature individuals in SA, which makes every single nest discovered a conservation milestone.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (12 September 2025) – This month, during a major aerial survey, the very first active Hooded Vulture nest was confirmed in KZN and with a large, healthy chick to show! It’s the first ever recorded in the province, and its the southernmost breeding site ever recorded for the species.

It’s great news because the role that vultures play in nature is critical and they’re under serious threat.

They’re the clean-up crew. They swoop in to strip carcasses before diseases like anthrax, rabies, or botulism can spread. That work benefits everything from wild ecosystems to livestock and even human communities.

“Vultures are the underappreciated custodians of ecosystem health. Without them, carcasses take longer to break down, diseases can spread more easily, and the natural balance of the environment begins to unravel. Without them, the consequences ripple far beyond the animal kingdom and into human health and the economy, especially in a landscape heavily dependent on the natural environment,” says Anel Olivier, Wildlife ACT Species Conservation Director.

When vulture populations collapse, the ripple effects are serious.

The Hooded Vulture, in particular, is one of Africa’s lesser-known scavengers. Smaller and shyer than its cousins, it weighs less than three kilograms, with a wingspan of about 1.6 metres. Its pink face and dark hood are well adapted to feeding on scraps left behind by bigger vultures.

But it’s also one of the most threatened.

In South Africa, there are thought to be only 50-100 breeding pairs left. Hooded Vultures are monogamous and mate for life, lay a single egg per season, and raise one chick at a time. Every nest is precious. Because so little is known about their breeding behaviour, the confirmation of an active nest in KZN is a massive step forward.

Surveys over the years turned up nests for other species, like White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures but never Hooded.

Now, in the 2025 Zululand Vulture Project Aerial Survey, when teams from Wildlife ACT, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and The Bateleurs took to the skies with pilot Martin Schulze, some good news finally came along.

The survey, done every five years, uses helicopters to scan breeding areas, backed up by fixed-wing surveys and ground monitoring.

“This discovery is a milestone for vulture conservation, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. It shows that even when populations are under immense pressure, with the right monitoring and protection, these species can still surprise us. Confirming a Hooded Vulture nest for the first time in the province gives us new insight into their range and behaviour, and strengthens the case for continued collaboration and investment in vulture conservation.” says the Zululand Vulture Project.

The discovery wasn’t just down to the survey alone.

It also came with a watchful eye from locals. Wildlife ACT’s Kayleigh Huysamen and her family first suspected vultures were nesting near their Zululand property. They reported it and helped monitor the site until the aerial team could confirm it.

“It felt like an incredible privilege to discover this nest so close to our home. The fact that these Hooded Vultures chose to breed here, near a member of the Wildlife ACT team, feels like good fortune for the birds as well. My family and I are committed to helping safeguard the site and supporting the monitoring work. Protecting this nest is about giving the species a real chance to recover,” says Kayleigh.

KwaZulu-Natal has been hit hard by vulture poisonings. Some deliberate, linked to the illegal wildlife trade or predator control, and others accidental, caused by things like lead fragments in carcasses. In some areas, entire tree-nesting colonies have been wiped out in just a few years.

That’s why this single nest matters so much.

It shows there’s still hope and resilience in a species pushed to the brink. It also points towards the importance of collaboration. Conservation authorities, NGOs, pilots, farmers, landowners, and everyday families all play a role in protecting nests and keeping vultures safe.

The data from this year’s survey will now feed back into South Africa’s national vulture conservation plan, gazetted in 2024. It sets out how the country will work to halt declines and rebuild populations.

Sources: Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Conservation work is no walk in the park, but Kirsty Midlane considers it a profound privilege and a powerful responsibility to protect South Africa’s pristine wilderness, empower local communities and inspire the next generation of women to shape the future of conservation.

Zululand, South Africa (26 August 2025) – Driven to make a difference and protect what we are at risk of losing, Kirsty Midlane dedicated herself to conserving endangered wildlife.

As the Conservation Training Course Coordinator at Wildlife ACT, she views her role in conservation in South Africa as both a profound privilege and a significant responsibility.

“I got involved in conservation because I want to make a difference, to help protect what we are at risk of losing. Even in my lifetime, I have seen pristine places become inhospitable to nature,” Kirsty shares.

While the challenges are substantial, Kirsty believes that the potential for impact lies in connecting people with nature and opening their eyes to its value – a crucial part of Wildlife ACT’s work in promoting human-wildlife coexistence, ensuring long-lasting conservation impact.

“Whether I’m guiding guests, mentoring students, or working alongside volunteers, I see how connection to nature ignites purpose and inspires action.”

Too often, communities living around wildlife reserves are ostracised from conservation areas, not supported to sustain themselves, or provided with adequate conservation education.

Work carried out by a dedicated conservation team through various Community Conservation Projects around four game reserves in Zululand educates and helps community members understand the importance of saving water, promoting domestic and ecotourism, wetlands, and conserving wildlife for future generations.

“Every day, we are changing perceptions just by doing the work, fuelled by the knowledge that when young girls see women in these roles, they believe it’s possible for them too.”

As Women’s Month comes to a close this week, Kirsty urges more young women to become voices and catalysts for change in conservation.

“To every woman making a difference – on the ground, behind the scenes, or with a seat at the table – you are seen, you are vital, and you are shaping the future of conservation.”

Sources: Wildlife ACT

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Three endangered wild dogs in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park have been fitted with new tracking collars, giving conservation teams the upper hand in protecting one of South Africa’s most threatened species.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa (05 August 2025) – Over the course of the last two months, a small team gathered in the bush to give wild dogs a better shot at survival.

Thanks to a collaring mission led by Wildlife ACT, three African Wild Dogs across two packs in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park now don satellite tracking collars. The act may seem small, but it has a big impact. One that could make all the difference for a species under serious threat.

The stats are upsetting. Fewer than 700 African Wild Dogs are left in South Africa. That is why every pack, every pup, every individual matters. Collaring is a vital way to ensure their protection. It helps in different ways…

It’s hard to protect what you can’t see. Wild dogs cover quite a distance and are secretive by nature. With GPS and VHF collars, conservationists can keep an eye on their movements in real-time, gain important insight into how they use the land, where they roam, how they interact, and when they might need some help. Without overstepping or encroaching.

Monitoring makes it possible to detect early signs of danger – a snare, a disease outbreak, or a sudden shift in pack behaviour can all be tracked with collars.

“These collars form a vital part of a broader, science-led monitoring programme designed to safeguard one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores.” Wildlife ACT shares.

In areas like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, where resources are limited and terrain is tough, the data from these collars really does become a game-changer.

The first collar in the wild dogs project went to a member of the Mfukuzweni Pack in early June. By the end of the month, a second and third collar were fitted to Msasaneni Pack members. All done by Wildlife ACT’s field team, together with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, wildlife vets Dr Rowan Leeming and Dr Jennifer Lawrence, and with support from Science-Based Ingredients (SBI).

It’s not glamorous work, but it’s vital and it’s done by people who care.

And when it works, it’s a win for all of us because losing wild dogs would mean losing one of the most intelligent, social, and iconic species on the continent.

Sources: Linked above. 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Dozens of South Africans are climbing Rhino Peak to raise funds for endangered species. Meet the heroes behind the Rhino Peak Challenge 2025 and the causes they’re supporting.

Drakensberg, South Africa (01 August 2025) – In the Drakensberg, a group of conservationists are about to climb a mountain to change the story for some of our most endangered species!

This is the Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC). Taking place next month on 20 September, it’s a 21km high-altitude trail run or hike up one of the Drakensberg’s most iconic (and equally as challenging) summits.

At 3,056 metres above sea level and stretching along 21 km, reaching the top of the summit is no small victory. But for the 2025 RPC ambassadors, the real challenge isn’t the mountain that lies ahead; it’s about protecting wildlife that face the real risk of extinction.

Since 2016, this annual event reports that it has raised over R5.2 million for important conservation efforts and in 2025 so far, a whopping R730,690+ has already been raised.

The real stars of the story are the endangered animals and beneficiaries at the heart of it all: namely bearded vultures, rhinos and wattled cranes, all species sadly facing intense threats in the wild.

Funds from the challenge go directly to the organisations on the frontlines of this work:

Wildlife ACT’s rhino and vulture conservation programmes, which monitor and protect these species in their natural habitats; The Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme, working to save one of Southern Africa’s most critically endangered birds through breeding, monitoring and education; and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, whose work spans habitat protection, anti-poaching, and supporting scientific research that shapes national conservation policy in SA.

Each ambassador taking on the RPC creates a fundraising profile and reaches out to their network. The idea is simple: climb the mountain, raise awareness, and gather donations to fuel the work being done on the ground.

This year, the response has been inspiring.

Ambassadors like Brandie Wettstein (already having raised over R127,000+), Tammy Baker (R85,500+), Steven Rustin Williamson (R66,000+) and Catherine Kühn (R23,450+) are proof that when passion finds purpose, incredible things can happen.

Wettstein, a volunteer for Wildlife ACT, has conquered the challenge year after year since 2019 and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. Her experience working alongside wildlife monitors, park staff, anti-poaching units, and reserve vets has shaped her understanding of what conservation looks like on the ground, and how vital this work really is.

“I believe in leading by example. That actions speak louder than words. That every act of kindness sparks another.”

“I want to encourage others to get involved in any way they can. Because no contribution is too small. And our planet is far too precious to lose another species to extinction.”

RPC veterans like Wettstein will be joined by a diverse group of change-makers, at all ages, united by a love for wildlife and a determination to do something good.

And while the trail may take anywhere from four to nine hours to complete, the ripple effect of each donation and each step taken will stretch across lifetimes, for both the people involved and the animals they’re fighting for.

You can support the cause by donating to an ambassador or learning more at rhinopeakchallenge.co.za. Protecting our wildlife takes a nation. Sometimes, it starts with a climb.

Sources: EWT / Rhino Peak Challenge

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