Seven elephants from Namibia have been successfully relocated to the Cuatir Nature Reserve in southeastern Angola to repopulate the reserve. The elephants, transported from the drought-stricken Mount Etjo Safari Lodge in Namibia, are now adapting to their new environment, which has sufficient forage and water for their needs. The Cuatir reserve, once a thriving elephant habitat, lost its elephant population during Angola’s 27-year civil war. During that war, the elephants were hunted for their meat and their tusks, with their meat used to feed people and their tusks sold to pay for war expenses. The Oelefse family, who own the reserve, plan to move 14 to 16 more elephants in the coming weeks. The relocation was overseen by wildlife veterinarian Ulf Tubbesing, who ensured the elephants’ safe transport during the 700-kilometer journey to their new home.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
Namibia Relocates Elephants to Angola to Repopulate War-ravaged Reserve
