National Zoological Garden reinforces commitment to conservation on Reverse the Red Day

On Reverse the Red Day, observed annually on 7 February, the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria reaffirms its dedication to the preservation of endangered species through conservation initiatives. Reverse the Red is a global movement that ignites strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems. By participating in this worldwide effort, the NZG aligns with international partners to reverse negative trends on biodiversity loss and species survival. 

Currently, 15% of the species housed at the zoo are classified as threatened, including the Scimitar-horned Oryx, Southern Ground Hornbill, Cape Vulture, and the Sungazer Lizard. These species are at risk due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife interactions. Through dedicated breeding and conservation programmes, the NZG plays an important role in both ex-situ conservation, preserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in zoos and botanical gardens, and in-situ conservation, protecting species within their natural environments, like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. These initiatives aim to reverse the decline of these species.

The Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah), once found across the Sahara Desert, was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2000 due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Thanks to conservation breeding programmes, including efforts at the NZG, the species has been successfully reintroduced to protected areas in Chad and has recently been downlisted to Endangered. The NZG has housed Scimitar-horned Oryx for 58 years, maintaining a carefully managed breeding programme. Two calves were successfully born in September 2023 and July 2024, with another birth expected later this year, marking a significant success for conservation efforts.

Since 1996, the NZG has been at the forefront of breeding Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres), a species classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Native to southern Africa, these birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem by disposing of carrion and preventing the spread of disease. This ongoing effort aligns closely with the recently published Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures in South Africa. This plan aims to implement strategic conservation actions across the geographic ranges of all nine vulture species found in South Africa, with a particular focus on the seven resident breeding species. The plan’s ultimate goal is to recover these populations to acceptable levels by 2033, reinforcing concerted, collaborative, and coordinated international efforts.

The Sungazer lizard (Smaug giganteus) is facing increasing threats due to habitat loss and poaching, with 99% of its population existing outside protected areas. The National Zoological Garden (NZG), in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Sungazer Working Group, is leading conservation efforts by breeding and rehabilitating confiscated lizards. Currently, the NZG houses 30 Sungazer lizards, many of which were rescued from illegal trafficking. With five successful births since 2020, the NZG remains the only facility in the world that has successfully bred this species in controlled environments. The NZG hopes that by sharing research and husbandry techniques, the establishment of a protected conservation area will become a reality in the near future.

The NZG has been a key player in the conservation of the Southern Ground Hornbill since 1995, when chicks harvested from Kruger National Park were reared at the facility before being released into the wild into eSwatini. Today, the NZG continues to support this initiative by housing birds destined for reintroduction, with two breeding pairs and additional females being carefully monitored for future releases.

Tracy Rehse, Director Animal Collections and Conservation at the NZG, emphasises the importance of these efforts: "Our commitment to conserving these species reflects our broader mission to protect biodiversity. Through dedicated breeding programs and habitat preservation, we aim to secure a future for these remarkable animals."

As the world marks Reverse the Red Day, the NZG reaffirms its commitment to saving species from extinction. Through dedicated efforts in conservation breeding, habitat protection, and scientific research, the NZG continues to lead in safeguarding South Africa’s natural heritage.