We’re excited to share that two leopards—a male and a female—have just arrived in their new territory at Gorongosa National Park, thanks to a collaborative conservation effort with Gorongosa National Park, Karingani Game Reserve, and our team at Mozambique Wildlife Alliance. But let’s talk about how we did it—because capturing and translocating leopards is quite the process!
The capture mission began at Karingani Game Reserve, where our partners prepared by tracking and identifying suitable individuals and setting up baits in their territories to keep them in the area. When capture week arrived, our veterinary team, with invaluable support from TB Big Game Hounds 🐕, safely tranquilized the leopards. With trained hounds guiding them up into the trees, our team was able to safely dart each leopard. Once tranquilized, the leopards were moved to a secure boma (temporary holding area) for about 10 days, where they were looked after by the Karingani team as part of their preparation for the big move.
When moving day came, we carefully anesthetized both leopards for safe transport. After collecting samples for health monitoring, we loaded them into a Land Cruiser and drove them to the Massingir airstrip. From there, they boarded a plane for a two-hour flight to Gorongosa, where they’re now settling in and exploring their new environment.
The reintroduction of these two leopards isn’t just about increasing numbers—it’s about restoring balance to the ecosystem and strengthening Gorongosa’s predator population after this year’s wildlife count.
Huge thanks go to our partners at Gorongosa, Karingani, and ANAC for making this a reality, with special appreciation to Karingani for their donation of the animals as well as the operational and logistical support they provided. Together, we’re ensuring a wild and safe future for Mozambique’s wildlife.
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