10/08/2024
Celebrate World Lion Day, Bellevue - one step closer to the dream!
The family-owned Bellevue Forest Reserve near Paterson in the Eastern Cape is soon to be a step closer to its ultimate vision of becoming a Big Five Game Reserve with the addition of lions this month.
According to owner Loodt Buchner, “This next phase is tremendously exciting for us as we have spent years working towards expanding the reserve, both physically and ecologically.
In August 2023, we realised a long-held dream of reintroducing elephants to their historical range with the first family group ever translocated from the nearby Addo Elephant Park. Our nine pachyderms settled in immediately and are thriving. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to now add lions into the mix, as for most people they represent the essence of an African experience.”
The new feline residents comprise a beautiful, mature Kalahari male who was rescued from a hunting concession and placed in a large enclosure until companions could be found for him.
He will now be joined by two lionesses kindly donated to Bellevue by Amakhala Game Reserve. The three have been released into the wild this August to explore their stunningly diverse new home range of mountains and valleys covered in rich Albany thicket, and home to a wide range of endemic species that includes abundant buffalo, kudu, zebra and giraffe.
Says Buchner: “Guests to our luxurious Bellevue Elephants Lodge will now enjoy a full suite of game viewing activities on their drives and walks. Bird life is also prolific, making this malaria-free Eastern Cape destination a sought after holiday escape.”
