Elephant Collaring Operation in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
25 July 2025
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, marked another milestone in its conservation efforts, as collaborative team successfully collared a large elephant bull near the St Lucia Estuary this winter season, in middle of July 2025. The critical mission for tracking and managing elephant movements within the Park, brought together expert teams from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, African Wildlife Vets, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority.
Bhejane picnic site, served as the assembly point where veterinarians and field teams gathered for a pre-operation briefing. Strategy and responsibilities were discussed by Ezemvelo’s Mr Dumisani Zwane, Honorary Officer Mr Johan Stadler, and Dr Riaan Cedras from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, who outlined the plan to locate, isolate, and safely sedate the elephant bull for collaring. Once the elephant was located along the western shores of the estuary, the helicopter skilfully manoeuvred to isolate the bull in an open field to ensure safety for the elephant and accessibility of the ground team.
Navigating treacherous terrain, the ground team waited for the radio command before swiftly advancing. Time was of the essence. Within ten minutes, the collar was successfully secured around the elephant’s neck. Speed is vital in such operations because when an elephant is sedated and resting on its knees, there's a risk of reduced blood flow to the hind legs. Ideally, the animal should lie on its side, but thanks to the team’s precision and experience, the process was completed efficiently.
As the sedation wore off, the elephant stirred, stood up steadily, and gently touched its new tracking collar with its trunk, which the elephant checked this new addition to its massive body. This operation is part of a broader effort to track and monitor elephant movements within iSimangaliso, helping conservationists better understand migration patterns, habitat use, and potential human-wildlife conflict zones. Each collar deployed strengthens the Park’s ability to manage and protect its wildlife in an ever-changing landscape.
The initiative highlights collaboration between local experts, park authorities, and dedicated field personnel in understanding and securing a future for these iconic giants of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.