RESTORED   PROTECTED   PRESERVED   WILD

 

Integrating environmental, animal and marine conservation with rural social development describes Zuka best; caring for wilderness, wildlife and people is multifaceted. There are many models. This is ours.

Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone property of a pioneering land assembly founded by Tara and Jessica Getty in 2001. Today, this progressive rewilding project has thus far expanded to 10,300 hectares of environmentally restored and protected northern Zululand and stands as a beacon of light as to what is possible on our planet.

~ more ~

GLADSTONES

Adventure ~ Family ~ Safari

ZUKA HOUSE

Eclectic ~ Sanctuary ~ Africa

Zuka House Logo

ZUKA HOUSE

Eclectic ~ Sanctuary ~ Africa

AT HOME

IMPACT

Our story in bite sized chapters!

THIS IS ZUKA

WARTHOGS!

We see abundant warthogs across the reserve, they are such characters, but the babies are always in « run to your nearest  emergency exit mode » making them almost impossible to capture on film! 😂

#Warthogs
#WarthogPiglets
#CartoonCharacters
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#WildlifePhotography
#TheMoneyShot

WARTHOGS!

We see abundant warthogs across the reserve, they are such characters, but the babies are always in « run to your nearest emergency exit mode » making them almost impossible to capture on film! 😂

#Warthogs
#WarthogPiglets
#CartoonCharacters
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#WildlifePhotography
#TheMoneyShot
...

BLACK RHINO

Transnational organised crime is a significant driver of rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking, threatening the population of this species.

Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there are just over 6000 black rhino left in the wild, and we get to be part of this conservation endeavour, and, success stories!

In the 1990s, the species was near extinction so in 2003, the phenomenal World Wildlife Fund (WWF), led by Dr Jacques Flamand, initiated the ambitious Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP), together with some vital partnerships across the country.

As part of the Munywana Conservancy we were selected as the first private conservancy in the country to receive a number of black rhino in this historic initiative.

Since their introduction, the population has grown enabling us to move numbers to other conservation areas and further expand land available to conserve this species.

Viewing is not always easy with their solitary and territorial (aka aggressive!) ways, so this image is a great capture by our 📹📸 @its_jamie_lucas

#BlackRhino
#Rhinoconservation
#Conservation
#Partnerships
#NaturalWorld
#Restored 
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Wildlife rangers
#WildlifePhotography
#ThisIsZuka

BLACK RHINO

Transnational organised crime is a significant driver of rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking, threatening the population of this species.

Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there are just over 6000 black rhino left in the wild, and we get to be part of this conservation endeavour, and, success stories!

In the 1990s, the species was near extinction so in 2003, the phenomenal World Wildlife Fund (WWF), led by Dr Jacques Flamand, initiated the ambitious Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP), together with some vital partnerships across the country.

As part of the Munywana Conservancy we were selected as the first private conservancy in the country to receive a number of black rhino in this historic initiative.

Since their introduction, the population has grown enabling us to move numbers to other conservation areas and further expand land available to conserve this species.

Viewing is not always easy with their solitary and territorial (aka aggressive!) ways, so this image is a great capture by our 📹📸 @its_jamie_lucas

#BlackRhino
#Rhinoconservation
#Conservation
#Partnerships
#NaturalWorld
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Wildlife rangers
#WildlifePhotography
#ThisIsZuka
...

MOTHERS

“…And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection….”
~ Robbie Williams ~ 🌙

To mothers in all your forms and guises, roles and responsibilities, we celebrate you and your unstoppable love; for the mothers who have lost a child, we honour and love you even more today ✨

#MothersDaySA
#MothersDayUSA
#Unstoppable
#Creative
#Love
#Tenderness
#Tenacity
#Comedy
#Sweetness
#Wild
#Inspired
#Elephant
#ElephantCalf

MOTHERS

“…And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection….”
~ Robbie Williams ~ 🌙

To mothers in all your forms and guises, roles and responsibilities, we celebrate you and your unstoppable love; for the mothers who have lost a child, we honour and love you even more today ✨

#MothersDaySA
#MothersDayUSA
#Unstoppable
#Creative
#Love
#Tenderness
#Tenacity
#Comedy
#Sweetness
#Wild
#Inspired
#Elephant
#ElephantCalf
...

FEELING

….like it might be the weekend!🧡

#LionPride
#LionCub
#Restful
#Sleeping
#WeekendVibes
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka

FEELING

….like it might be the weekend!🧡

#LionPride
#LionCub
#Restful
#Sleeping
#WeekendVibes
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
...

OCEAN

Wishing Sir David a very happy 99th birthday today!

With gratitude,
Zuka Private Game Reserve 🧡

#Legacy
#Land
#Wildlife
#Ocean
#Inspired
#Legacy
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka

OCEAN

Wishing Sir David a very happy 99th birthday today!

With gratitude,
Zuka Private Game Reserve 🧡

#Legacy
#Land
#Wildlife
#Ocean
#Inspired
#Legacy
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
...

CALIBRATE
	
International Leopard Day.
 
Our story is in its third decade and, taught by our elders, leopards and their relaxed presence with new generations of offspring, are one of nature’s definitive signs of calibration and ecological balance.
 
Our commitment to land restoration, wildlife protection and shifting human ways outside of protected areas, have all influenced this balance positively…and that’s when leopard shows up, and we nod to each other🌾
 
www.zuka.earth
 
https://zuka.earth/panthera-project/

#Leopard
#InternationalLeopardDay2025
#WildlifeConservation
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
#ThisIsZuka
#Gratitude
#OurStory

CALIBRATE

International Leopard Day.

Our story is in its third decade and, taught by our elders, leopards and their relaxed presence with new generations of offspring, are one of nature’s definitive signs of calibration and ecological balance.

Our commitment to land restoration, wildlife protection and shifting human ways outside of protected areas, have all influenced this balance positively…and that’s when leopard shows up, and we nod to each other🌾

www.zuka.earth

https://zuka.earth/panthera-project/

#Leopard
#InternationalLeopardDay2025
#WildlifeConservation
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
#ThisIsZuka
#Gratitude
#OurStory
...

BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Today we shine the spotlight on one of our team! 

Lynne has been with us in her vital role at Zuka since 2013 and today is her birthday! 

Now we don’t talk about age, we don’t need to as Lynne is ageless - only to highlight that she came to her role at Zuka following her esteemed Grade 1 teaching career.

Grade 1 is the first year of formal numeracy and literacy in South Africa and for the majority of her class, isiZulu was their first or language spoken at home; Lynne’s dedication, sense, sensibility, creativity and attention to detail made for the finest teaching they could receive.

(I should mention here too, Lynne taught our daughter to read and write in one week, enabling us to travel for the following 9 months and homeschool!)

For us at Zuka, all these qualities transpose and support us invaluably, and “Ouma” as she is affectionately known by all, is a beloved mainstay of our organisation.

Happy Birthday Oums!💐🧡🌾

#HappyBirthday
#Love
#Celebrate
#Gratitude
#ItTakesAVillage
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Inspired
#ThisIsZuka

BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Today we shine the spotlight on one of our team!

Lynne has been with us in her vital role at Zuka since 2013 and today is her birthday!

Now we don’t talk about age, we don’t need to as Lynne is ageless - only to highlight that she came to her role at Zuka following her esteemed Grade 1 teaching career.

Grade 1 is the first year of formal numeracy and literacy in South Africa and for the majority of her class, isiZulu was their first or language spoken at home; Lynne’s dedication, sense, sensibility, creativity and attention to detail made for the finest teaching they could receive.

(I should mention here too, Lynne taught our daughter to read and write in one week, enabling us to travel for the following 9 months and homeschool!)

For us at Zuka, all these qualities transpose and support us invaluably, and “Ouma” as she is affectionately known by all, is a beloved mainstay of our organisation.

Happy Birthday Oums!💐🧡🌾

#HappyBirthday
#Love
#Celebrate
#Gratitude
#ItTakesAVillage
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Inspired
#ThisIsZuka
...

HAPPY
International Hyena Day!

#InternationalHyenaDay
#HyenaDay
#Hyena
#HyenaPup
#SpottedHyena
#Wildlife
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka

HAPPY
International Hyena Day!

#InternationalHyenaDay
#HyenaDay
#Hyena
#HyenaPup
#SpottedHyena
#Wildlife
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
...

LEGACY

Creating legacy by successfully conserving the rhino population, is what we do.

Take a look at OUR STORY on www.zuka.earth 🧡

🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍

#ConservationSuccessStories
#RhinoConservation
#SouthernWhiteRhino
#BlackRhino
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa

LEGACY

Creating legacy by successfully conserving the rhino population, is what we do.

Take a look at OUR STORY on www.zuka.earth 🧡

🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍🌍

#ConservationSuccessStories
#RhinoConservation
#SouthernWhiteRhino
#BlackRhino
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa
...

GATHER!

🐣Happy Easter!
 
With love from
Zuka Private Game Reserve! 
🌅🌾🧡🌾✨🌅✨🌾🧡🌾🌅

#ThisIsZuka
#Dawn
#NewBeginnings
#HappyEaster
#Gathering
#Togetherness
#Restored
#ConservationSuccess
#Soccer
#Braai
#Football
#Africa

GATHER!

🐣Happy Easter!

With love from
Zuka Private Game Reserve!
🌅🌾🧡🌾✨🌅✨🌾🧡🌾🌅

#ThisIsZuka
#Dawn
#NewBeginnings
#HappyEaster
#Gathering
#Togetherness
#Restored
#ConservationSuccess
#Soccer
#Braai
#Football
#Africa
...

THRIVING

Cheetah are a distinct species in the cat family and face the risk of extinction in the wild.
 
Here at Zuka, our restored ecosystems and open landscapes, are perfect for the cheetah population to thrive!

 🎹🎼original score by @_paintmusic_

#Cheetah
#CheetahCoalition
#Brotherhood
#AfricanBigCats
#CheetahConservation
#Biodiversity
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ConservationSuccessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#SouthAfrica

THRIVING

Cheetah are a distinct species in the cat family and face the risk of extinction in the wild.
 
Here at Zuka, our restored ecosystems and open landscapes, are perfect for the cheetah population to thrive!

 🎹🎼original score by @_paintmusic_

#Cheetah
#CheetahCoalition
#Brotherhood
#AfricanBigCats
#CheetahConservation
#Biodiversity
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ConservationSuccessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#SouthAfrica
...

WATER BABIES!

For these semi-aquatic giants, water is life! 

Spending around 16 hours a day, submerged to stay protected and cool they emerge at dusk to graze – often treading many kilometres through the night.

We see them out on cooler days under cloud cover, when their barrel-shaped bodies don’t overheat so quickly, but they are quick to retreat back into the water again – their shield and social stage! 
 
#Hippo
#Hippopotamus 
#AfricanWildlife
#WildlifePhotography
#Restored 
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#SouthAfrica

WATER BABIES!

For these semi-aquatic giants, water is life!

Spending around 16 hours a day, submerged to stay protected and cool they emerge at dusk to graze – often treading many kilometres through the night.

We see them out on cooler days under cloud cover, when their barrel-shaped bodies don’t overheat so quickly, but they are quick to retreat back into the water again – their shield and social stage!

#Hippo
#Hippopotamus
#AfricanWildlife
#WildlifePhotography
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#SouthAfrica
...

WITH LIONS

‘You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.’

~ Karen Blixen, Out of Africa ~

#Lions
#LionPride
#LionCubs
#Safari
#LifeQuotes
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#OutOfAfrica

WITH LIONS

‘You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.’

~ Karen Blixen, Out of Africa ~

#Lions
#LionPride
#LionCubs
#Safari
#LifeQuotes
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#OutOfAfrica
...

HABITAT TEAM!

Natural vectors such as wind and animals, and of course humans carry seeds and particles into the reserve and these little invasions have an ecological impact on our native habitats. 

The ladies of our habitat team are our superpower - they are instrumental in helping with alien plant control or bush encroachment – an important piece of land restoration and in protecting and preserving our natural habitat.

#LandRestoration
#HealthyHabitat
#WildlifeConservation
#MeaningfulContribution
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#GettyAsterism
#ThisIsZuka

HABITAT TEAM!

Natural vectors such as wind and animals, and of course humans carry seeds and particles into the reserve and these little invasions have an ecological impact on our native habitats.

The ladies of our habitat team are our superpower - they are instrumental in helping with alien plant control or bush encroachment – an important piece of land restoration and in protecting and preserving our natural habitat.

#LandRestoration
#HealthyHabitat
#WildlifeConservation
#MeaningfulContribution
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#GettyAsterism
#ThisIsZuka
...

MUSCLES!

All 40,000 of them in an elephant’s trunk, makes for the ultimate adaptation to reach, to pick branches, leaves, to suck up water, for contact and communication.

We love watching these deeply intelligent mammals thriving in their natural environment here at Zuka!

#Elephant
#ElephantTrunk
#Conservation
#NaturePhotography
#LetsDance
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Restored
#ThisIsZuka

MUSCLES!

All 40,000 of them in an elephant’s trunk, makes for the ultimate adaptation to reach, to pick branches, leaves, to suck up water, for contact and communication.

We love watching these deeply intelligent mammals thriving in their natural environment here at Zuka!

#Elephant
#ElephantTrunk
#Conservation
#NaturePhotography
#LetsDance
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Restored
#ThisIsZuka
...

WILD IMPACT!

We are trustees, donors, fundraisers, advocates and, have been active in mulitple geographies with @wildimpact.earth for over 3 decades now!
 
Steady and successful conservation of wildlife and wilderness is based on sustainable community development and visionary partnership.
 
Wild Impact’s 4 focus areas:
FUTURE FOUNDATIONS, CONSERVING ECOSYSTEMS, TOMORROW’S LEADERS and THRIVING COMMUNITIES, fulfill goals that bring the vision of “Nurturing resilient communities and conserving wild places” into being!
 
www.wildimpact.earth

#Conservation
#CommunityDevelopment
#GettyAsterism
#Earth
#Wildlife
#Humankind
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka

WILD IMPACT!

We are trustees, donors, fundraisers, advocates and, have been active in mulitple geographies with @wildimpact.earth for over 3 decades now!
 
Steady and successful conservation of wildlife and wilderness is based on sustainable community development and visionary partnership.
 
Wild Impact’s 4 focus areas:
FUTURE FOUNDATIONS, CONSERVING ECOSYSTEMS, TOMORROW’S LEADERS and THRIVING COMMUNITIES, fulfill goals that bring the vision of “Nurturing resilient communities and conserving wild places” into being!
 
www.wildimpact.earth

#Conservation
#CommunityDevelopment
#GettyAsterism
#Earth
#Wildlife
#Humankind
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
...

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement;
the greatest source of visual beauty;
the greatest source of intellectual interest.
It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worlth living.”

~ DAVID ATTENBOROUGH ~

27°50’16”S   32°15’38”E

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