A Mission for Conservation: Transporting Lions from Shamwari to Thanda Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe

On June 28, 2024, the Bateleurs embarked on a critical conservation mission. The goal: to transport two magnificent male lions from Shamwari Game Reserve to their new home in Thanda Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe. Here's a detailed account of the journey transporting lions, highlighting the teamwork, precision, and dedication that made this mission a success.

Preparing for the Flight - TRANSPORTING LIONS

Aircraft: PC12

The day began early at Rand Airport (FAGM) with the arrival of the camera crew and vet, Zander, at 0600B. The crew quickly got to work, loading the vet's equipment and setting up the camera gear inside the PC12. By 08H20B, we were airborne from runway 29, heading towards Shamwari, climbing to our cruise altitude of 26,000 feet (F260).

Arrival at Shamwari

We touched down at Shamwari at 10H30B. The Shamwari personnel welcomed us warmly, and we were introduced to our precious cargo: two majestic male lions, each weighing approximately 200 kilograms, awaiting transport in their respective cages. After a thorough discussion on the logistics of loading the lions into the aircraft, Zander darted the lions, ensuring they were prepared for the two-hour flight.

Leg 2: Shamwari to Hluhluwe

With the lions safely loaded and their status checked, we departed Shamwari at 11H27B. The skies were clear as we ascended to 27,000 feet (F270). Inside the cabin, we maintained a comfortable temperature of 23°C, while outside the temperature dropped to -30°C. Our route took us over FAPM airfield, heading directly to FAHL.

We arrived at FAHL at 13H30B, greeted with excitement and joy by the staff at Thanda. The airstrip, well-maintained and grassy, provided a smooth landing. The lions were then carefully transferred to their new cages and transported by road to the Boma at Thanda.

Leg 3: Hluhluwe to Rand

After ensuring the lions were settled, we prepared for our final leg back to Rand Airport. Departing FAHL at 1705B, we cruised once again at 26,000 feet (F260). The route was direct to HGV, and we were vectored by Johannesburg radar to FAGM. Despite some low cloud cover near HGV, the night landing was smooth. The flight duration was 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Aerial Relocation Mission Success

This mission was a testament to the professionalism and collaboration of everyone involved. From the precise planning and execution by the flight crew to the careful handling by the vet and Shamwari staff, each team member played a crucial role in ensuring the safe and successful transport of these two remarkable lions.

The Bateleurs continue to demonstrate their commitment to conservation and wildlife protection, and this mission stands as a proud example of what can be achieved when expertise and dedication come together.

Thank you message from Mariana Venter,

Wildlife operations co-ordinator, Thanda Private Game Reserve

Dear Bateleurs

This is just a little (or huge) thank you from us, for all your efforts in helping with conservation. We requested a flight to move two male Lions from Shamwari in the Eastern Cape to Thanda Private Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal so that we could introduce new genetics into our resident Lion population.

Thanks to Steve of The Bateleurs, who helped us to organize this, the Lions were loaded onto the plane at Shamwari airfield without any problems and arrived at Hluhluwe airfield safely. We could see that great efforts were made to give the Lions enough space inside the plane to be comfortable and to travel safely, even if this meant keeping the number of humans allowed on the flight to a minimum.

On arrival at Thanda we placed the Lions in a boma and Menno, The Bateleurs volunteer pilot, joined us at the boma and allowed in, as a thank you to him, for going through the effort and giving up his time and valuable flying, to get the lions to Thanda.

The two Lions are doing very well and we can’t wait to release them from the boma into their new home, where there are some very eager females waiting for them. I can’t find the words to express our gratitude, especially since this is not the first time the Bateleurs have helped us. Transporting animals this way takes a huge load off our shoulders.