Nature conservation in South Africa

Transfrontier Africa

Since 2009, Aalborg Zoo has collaborated with Transfrontier Africa, which runs a research camp in Olifant West Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Transfrontier Africa is led by Craig Spencer and his team and has four main functions.

Research and development

Transfrontier Africa acts as a scientific advisor to the nature reserve, so that scientifically documented papers can be relied upon when making crucial decisions for the reserve.

Education and training

Educating local communities to value their natural heritage and to understand the long-term benefits of conservation is paramount. Transfrontier Africa is responsible for the nature reserve's community outreach, including the 'Bush Babies' education programme. They also provide assistance with the conflicts that can arise between humans and animals.

Combating poaching

Due to a massive increase in poaching, Transfrontier Africa formed the anti-poaching unit "Black Mamba APU" back in 2012, which serves as the reserve's first and foremost defence against poachers.

Wildlife Rescue

Transfrontier Africa coordinates wildlife rescue operations for the reserve. This could be, for example, efforts to deal with animals injured by poaching or escaped animals that need to be brought back to the reserve.

The Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit is the world's first female anti-poaching unit. Black Mambas was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa NPC in response to an increase in poaching in the Greater Kruger National Park and a new approach to the problem.

Black Mambas work in Olifants West Nature Reserve where they do invaluable work to protect wildlife with daily patrols, observation and snare collection.

But the goal of the Black Mambas is not only to be present and working in the bush, but also to be role models in their communities. The young female rangers work to create an understanding that the benefits of protecting and conserving wildlife are greater than the more short-term gains of poaching.

This effort is also carried out through Transfrontier Africa's Bush Babies programme, which teaches environmental awareness and the value of nature and wildlife to local primary school students. As part of the programme, Black Mambas visit the schools and talk to students about their work to combat poaching and conserve animals and nature.

Aalborg Zoo has worked with Transfrontier Africa since 2009 and together with the zoo's guests has been the main sponsor of Black Mambas. In 2022, the project was about to lose its funding from the South African government and thus the opportunity to continue the project. Aalborg Zoo therefore took the initiative to form the Black Mamba Alliance, an initiative where 11 shareholders now jointly sponsor the salaries of the Black Mambas and Bush Babies. Aalborg Zoo has signed up for a share, as have Aalborg Zoo staff. In addition, three employees from Aalborg Zoo are members of the board of the Black Mamba Alliance, including one as chairman.