2025 South Africa Recap:
Conservation with Wildlife Solutions
Trip Highlights
Relocating Wild Lions
Relocated 3 very large sub adult male lions with Dr. Ryan van Deventer was the most awe-inspiring and logistically intense task that I have encountered. But that’s exactly what we set out to do—and it was an honor to be part of it.
After 8–9 months of planning, countless conversations, and meticulous coordination, I finally made my way to South Africa for an unforgettable conservation experience. It wasn’t easy, operations like these are always tricky to organize. You must expect the unexpected, build in extra days, embrace the surprises. Go in with an open mind, go with the flow… and prepare to be blown away.
Would I plan this again? In a heartbeat.
Relocating apex predators like lions isn’t just wildlife management—it’s a symbol of restoration and resilience. It’s a testament to what’s possible when veterinarians, ecologists, trackers, and community members unite with a single goal: to protect our shared natural heritage.
Being part of this journey was a powerful reminder that behind every conservation win is an extraordinary team—and a deep, unwavering love for wildlife.
Here’s what it takes.
1. Pre-Planning & Permits
● Understand the ecological and genetic reasons for the relocation.
● Secure all necessary legal and veterinary clearances.
● Prepare the receiving reserve: fencing, prey base, and existing social dynamics.
2. Location & Sedation
● Track lions using telemetry collars or spoor.
● Use tranquilizer darts with surgical precision to keep animals and humans safe.
3. Handling & Transport
● Conduct full veterinary checks, tag, and crate the sedated lions.
● Monitor vitals during the journey in specially modified trucks.
4. Release into New Habitat
● Use a boma for acclimatization if needed.
● Choose either a soft or hard release strategy, depending on the lions' needs.
5. Post-Release Monitoring
● Fit GPS or VHF collars.
● Observe behavior, integration with existing pride dynamics, and adaptation.
We relocated these beautiful young Male Lions for their safety and long-term wellbeing:
1. Pride Tensions – As they matured, they began fighting with their father, the dominant male. Serious injuries were likely if left together.
2. Limited Space – South Africa’s fenced reserves limit natural movement. These lions needed new territory to thrive.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict – They were roaming near communities, posing risks to both people and lions.
4. Preventing Inbreeding – With their mother coming into estrus, the risk of mating with her was high.
This move gives them the chance to rule their own territory and start a new pride—ensuring a healthier future for all.
Relocating lions is never taken lightly. It’s a serious process done with the utmost care and responsibility. Our expert veterinary team was highly skilled, precise, and professional ensuring every precaution was taken to prioritize the lions’ health and wellbeing. Their safe future was at the heart of every decision.
About Wildlife Solutions & Dr. Ryan Van Deventer
The work of Dr. Ryan van Deventer and his organization, Wildlife Solutions, exemplifies the deeply complex, collaborative, and high-stakes nature of modern wildlife conservation in Africa.
Dr. van Deventer is not just a skilled veterinarian — he’s a conservation strategist, field medic, and often a first responder in emergency wildlife crises. From his base in South Africa, he and his team are on call across southern and East Africa, often called into remote wilderness areas where his medical expertise and deep understanding of animal behavior are vital.
Scope of Work
Wildlife Solutions handles a wide range of veterinary interventions, including:
● Translocations of apex predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs — moving them safely between reserves for genetic diversity or to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
● Dehorning and anti-poaching treatments for rhinos — a controversial but sometimes necessary step to reduce the risk of poaching.
● Emergency care for animals injured by snares, gunshots, or other human-caused injuries.
● Wildlife immobilization and health checks, including collaring for research and monitoring.
● Community-based interventions, including disease outbreak management at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.
Why Teamwork Is Essential
The “hero vet” image is only one part of the story. Dr. van Deventer consistently highlights the importance of:
● Trackers and rangers, whose local knowledge, animal behavior insight, and tracking skills are critical. These are often members of the very community’s conservation seeks to benefit.
● Helicopter pilots, for aerial darting and emergency evacuations.
● Conservation managers and ecologists, who understand the broader ecosystem needs and work hand in hand with veterinarians to make decisions that serve long-term biodiversity goals.
● NGOs and government departments, who provide funding, policy support, and cross-border collaboration.
Emotional and Physical Demands
The environments Dr. van Deventer works in are often harsh and unforgiving — both physically (with rugged terrain, unpredictable wildlife, extreme weather) and emotionally (treating animals that have been victims of cruelty or poaching can take a psychological toll). It’s work that demands grit, compassion, and rapid decision-making under pressure.
What Makes Wildlife Solutions Unique
● A mobile, agile model of conservation medicine that responds to needs wherever they arise.
● A commitment to ethical, sustainable interventions, never losing sight of the broader conservation context.
● Long-term relationships with game reserves, national parks, and community conservancies across Africa.
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