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History of the Nature Reserve |
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The reserve was founded in 1985 by Ed Hern, a well-known stockbroker,
with the aim of preserving this beautiful area for private leisure.
Prior to this the farm was utilised as a dairy and agricultural produce
farm. From a modest beginning of two white rhinos, “Ouvrou” and “Bulle”,
imported from a zoo in Germany, and some antelope species, the reserve
now boasts 600 head of game representing 25 different species. Public
demand to visit the reserve became overwhelming and this was met in
1990, coinciding with a name change from “Kiepersol” to “Rhino Park”.
Emphasis was also placed on breeding and the success of this project is
best illustrated by the fact that no less than 18 white rhino calves
have been born at the reserve to date. Increasing the number of species
is always hampered by external factors such as climate, habitat,
grazing, availability, etc. but the reserve has always strived to reach
this goal in order to enhance the entertainment and educational value to
the public – many of whom would not otherwise have the opportunity to
experience wildlife in this manner due to cost and distance constraints.
For obvious reasons, the rare and dangerous species have a
greater attraction value, and this led to the introduction of lions,
cheetah and later, the highly endangered Cape wild dog. The latter have
formed part of a very successful breeding programme which has, in turn,
led to breeding programmes for Bengal tigers, Siberian Tigers and the
extremely rare White Lion (one of which was born at the reserve in
1999). These activities have seen the staff complement at the reserve
grow from 5 to 39 people employed on a full time basis.
Once again the name was changed to “Rhino and Lion Nature
Reserve” in order to reflect the new attractions and to differentiate
between the reserve and its competitors.
The management of the reserve were still not satisfied and
hence the re-introduction of warthog, after a long absence from the
Gauteng Highveld, was successfully implemented. A natural development
was the establishment of a vulture restaurant which caters for the
groups of these magnificent birds which live in the nearby Magaliesberg.
Through the generosity of the general public and farmers, who donate
carcasses to the reserve on a regular basis, this venture has proven
highly successful. Often one can view as many as 200 birds feasting at
the reserve. Visitor numbers increased to such an extent that the
reserve became a proud member of the Johannesburg’s Big 5 Tourist
Destinations. This growth necessitated the construction of peripheral
visitor facilities which include, for the general public, individual
barbecue (braai) areas, a kiosk, restaurants, curio shop, swimming pool,
children’s play park and the Crocodile Pub where visitors can enjoy a
quiet sundowner while watching crocodiles at close range.
Accommodation is available in different concepts but both on
an exclusive basis. Firstly, three fully equipped, self-catering chalets
are available with a private swimming pool and lapa. This complex sleeps
12 – 16 people and is ideal for family gatherings or small business
workshops. Secondly, the reserve’s newest addition, 6 x log cabins,
fully equipped, electrified, DSTV, 6 seater Jacuzzi’s, built in braai, 2
en-suite rooms. This complex sleeps 16 – 24 people and is ideal for
family gatherings or small business workshops.
Source: official web of
Rhino & Lion Nature
Reserve (2010)
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