BREEDING PROGRAMMES (continued)
Supplementary feed is supplied year round for increased energy, horn growth and general good health.
We strive to provide the best, least stressed natural environment possible. All animals roam in large camps with natural foliage and shelter. The carnivore enclosures are all larger than specification to allow them more room to play, learn and interact with each other.
Young are sometimes hand reared but only when the situation requires it, such as when the mother is sick, absent or simply ignoring the offspring. (This happens regularly with Roan and Sable antelope, luckily none of ours to date, but we have had a sick Eland cow which ignored her calf and hand rearing the lion cubs has proved to be more effective).
Extensive records are kept of each individual animal, including age, sex, offspring, mating history, medical history and horn growth. All animals are tagged and micro-chipped. Animals are scrutinized individually, but the species is managed holistically as herds in their environment. Endevours are made to decrease bush encroachment, alien plants and erosion. Veld management plans are in place for all camps focusing on carrying capacity, sustainability and plant growth form analysis.