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.
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