Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Supporting since 2005
Location
Colenso, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Support started
2005
Species
Zebra, giraffe, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, nyala, impala, common reedbuck, waterbuck, kudu, warthog, blesbok, servals, ostrich, leopard tortoises, African rock pythons, spotted hyena, leopard, black-backed jackal and caracal.
Mission
To create a sustainable future while maintaining social responsibility and promoting environmental regeneration and conservation.
2024 – 2025:
£479,000 donated this year.
Background
Colchester Zoological Society is dedicated to researching and conserving animal species all over the world. One of its main priorities is to set up the UmPhafa Nature Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
The reserve encompasses 6,000ha covering a 1,200 foot gradient, from the banks of the Tugela River to the top of mountains and covers a diverse range of ecosystems, including open grassland and bushveldt. Historically, approximately 35 mammalian species inhabited this area, however, due to previous farmland management techniques, many of these native species have disappeared.
Numerous species already inhabit the reserve, including kudu, impala, black-backed jackal, warthog, waterbuck, leopard and caracal to name but a few. Colchester Zoological Society has established a release programme for the reserve; to rehabilitate the land by returning the native species that have previously disappeared with farming; to recreate the historical mammalian assemblage and to help secure the future of these species.
Achievements and Objectives
In 2024, Colchester Zoological Society plans to release cheetah and, in the longer term, hopefully we can breed from this charismatic, endangered species.
Full details of the achievements and objectives of the UmPhafa Nature Reserve can be found on its dedicated website above.
