RESTORED PROTECTED PRESERVED WILD
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.
1990 – The Beginning of the Story
“Caring for wilderness, wildlife and people is multifaceted. There are many models. This is ours.”
~ TARA GETTY ~
“Caring for wilderness, wildlife and people is multifaceted. There are many models. This is ours.”
~ TARA GETTY ~
Where we are
Zuka Private Game Reserve is 10,300 hectares of the Munywana Conservancy, a formal Protected Area bordering a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Zuka Private Game Reserve’s proximity to the Indian Ocean, and the Lebombo Mountains creates dramatic topography with varied geology and soils from the ancient sea bed and historic volcanic activity; in turn supporting an array of habitats and vast biodiversity.
CHEETAH
It’s the International day of the cheetah today!
This iconic big cat, the fastest land mammal capable of speeding up to 70 miles per hour, and crucial in nature’s perfectly balanced system, belies a fragility.
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade contribute heavily to their vulnerable status – take a moment to acknowledge all that is entirely in our hands as humans!
Their low genetic diversity means they are vulnerable to natural factors too.
We are honoured to safeguard and view a healthy population of these glorious creatures in their optimal natural habitat on our reserve (albeit a little more rare to see them in trees!) and to share this responsibility across our land assembly.
There are more excellent organisations who focus on protecting wild cats in Africa and beyond, so on this #internationalcheetahday why not take a moment and click on the tags to see their good work! 🐾🐾
#Cheetah
#CheetahCoalition
#InternationalCheetahDay
#ThisIsZuka
#Legacy
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#IntlCheetahDay
Dec 4
CHEETAH
It’s the International day of the cheetah today!
This iconic big cat, the fastest land mammal capable of speeding up to 70 miles per hour, and crucial in nature’s perfectly balanced system, belies a fragility.
Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade contribute heavily to their vulnerable status – take a moment to acknowledge all that is entirely in our hands as humans!
Their low genetic diversity means they are vulnerable to natural factors too.
We are honoured to safeguard and view a healthy population of these glorious creatures in their optimal natural habitat on our reserve (albeit a little more rare to see them in trees!) and to share this responsibility across our land assembly.
There are more excellent organisations who focus on protecting wild cats in Africa and beyond, so on this #internationalcheetahday why not take a moment and click on the tags to see their good work! 🐾🐾
#Cheetah
#CheetahCoalition
#InternationalCheetahDay
#ThisIsZuka
#Legacy
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#IntlCheetahDay
TUSK CONSERVATION AWARDS
Being in the room to recognise three particular and outstanding rangers from Mali, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, hearing them speak and seeing a snapshot of their work in beautiful and challenging environments was inspiring and heartening on Wednesday night at Tusk’s Conservation Awards in London.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, passionate, focussed, fun and an active advocate, generates such positive energy and fires up a shared ambition to do the good work of safeguarding Africa’s wildlife and preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
We are thrilled to support @tusk_org and to share this endeavour we call conservation.
Congratulations @tusk_org on what you do and how you go about it!
📸@chrisjacksongetty
Nov 29
TUSK CONSERVATION AWARDS
Being in the room to recognise three particular and outstanding rangers from Mali, Rwanda and Sierra Leone, hearing them speak and seeing a snapshot of their work in beautiful and challenging environments was inspiring and heartening on Wednesday night at Tusk’s Conservation Awards in London.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, passionate, focussed, fun and an active advocate, generates such positive energy and fires up a shared ambition to do the good work of safeguarding Africa’s wildlife and preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
We are thrilled to support @tusk_org and to share this endeavour we call conservation.
Congratulations @tusk_org on what you do and how you go about it!
📸@chrisjacksongetty
CANDID
Following on from our post with Shaquille setting up the camera traps around the reserve, here’s a little taste of what they revealed; a glimpse into the unseen world of Zuka!
2. Brown Hyena
3. Honey Badger
3. Bush Pig
4. Serval
5. Aardvark
6. Black Backed Jackal
7. Genet
8. White Tailed Mongoose
9. Zorilla
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#Wildlife
#Science
#Research
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
Nov 27
CANDID
Following on from our post with Shaquille setting up the camera traps around the reserve, here’s a little taste of what they revealed; a glimpse into the unseen world of Zuka!
2. Brown Hyena
3. Honey Badger
3. Bush Pig
4. Serval
5. Aardvark
6. Black Backed Jackal
7. Genet
8. White Tailed Mongoose
9. Zorilla
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#Wildlife
#Science
#Research
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
AUDIO
Ironically these huge mammals are incredibly quiet, moving like ghosts in the bush, giving away that they may be close by, with the snap of a branch from a tree as they feed.
This sound stands out starkly in the bush – it’s one that we need to hear, and particuarly important not to miss when we are on foot. It indicates to us, the presence of elephant, the direction, how far, if it’s an individual bull or a larger herd with anxious females and their calves.
Listening in the bush is possibly more important than seeing?!
#ThisIsZuka
#Sensory
#Hearing
#Listening
#Audio
#Elephant
#Wildlife
#OnSafari
#OnFoot
#UpClose
#Africa
Nov 26
AUDIO
Ironically these huge mammals are incredibly quiet, moving like ghosts in the bush, giving away that they may be close by, with the snap of a branch from a tree as they feed.
This sound stands out starkly in the bush – it’s one that we need to hear, and particuarly important not to miss when we are on foot. It indicates to us, the presence of elephant, the direction, how far, if it’s an individual bull or a larger herd with anxious females and their calves.
Listening in the bush is possibly more important than seeing?!
#ThisIsZuka
#Sensory
#Hearing
#Listening
#Audio
#Elephant
#Wildlife
#OnSafari
#OnFoot
#UpClose
#Africa
I’M HERE
“You would not have called to me unless I had been calling you,” said the lion.”
~ C.S. Lewis ~
#ThisIsZuka
#Lion
#MaleLion
#LionKing
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#WildlifePhotography
#Safari
#BeingHere
#CSLewis
#Africa
Nov 22
I’M HERE
“You would not have called to me unless I had been calling you,” said the lion.”
~ C.S. Lewis ~
#ThisIsZuka
#Lion
#MaleLion
#LionKing
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#WildlifePhotography
#Safari
#BeingHere
#CSLewis
#Africa
PARTNERSHIP
In front of every great safari guide, is a great tracker!
Thulani in his office!
#EyeForDetail
#ADayInTheOffice
#Sensory
#Safari
#Landrover
#Tracker
#SafariGuide
#BushLife
#WildLife
#Partnership
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
Nov 21
PARTNERSHIP
In front of every great safari guide, is a great tracker!
Thulani in his office!
#EyeForDetail
#ADayInTheOffice
#Sensory
#Safari
#Landrover
#Tracker
#SafariGuide
#BushLife
#WildLife
#Partnership
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
PRESENCE
When you come across anything in nature, it’s fun to really notice and quietly acknowledge that you got to encounter each other just at that moment.
Kudu are not always visible, they don’t always show up and present themselves easily, being a little shy considering their majestic stature, strength and agility.
In all cultures throughout the world, animals are symbolic and offer different messages with their presence. Kudu are strongly spiritual, offering guidance when we are feeling low, or perhaps, if we need reminding, that there is an infinite spiritual dimension around us!
We love Kudu gracing us with their presence, and, noticing that moment.
#Kudu
#Presence
#Grace
#Nature
#Symbolism
#Gratitude
#ThisIsZuka
#AfricanLandscape
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Nov 18
PRESENCE
When you come across anything in nature, it’s fun to really notice and quietly acknowledge that you got to encounter each other just at that moment.
Kudu are not always visible, they don’t always show up and present themselves easily, being a little shy considering their majestic stature, strength and agility.
In all cultures throughout the world, animals are symbolic and offer different messages with their presence. Kudu are strongly spiritual, offering guidance when we are feeling low, or perhaps, if we need reminding, that there is an infinite spiritual dimension around us!
We love Kudu gracing us with their presence, and, noticing that moment.
#Kudu
#Presence
#Grace
#Nature
#Symbolism
#Gratitude
#ThisIsZuka
#AfricanLandscape
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
BLACK RHINO
Encountering these slightly elusive giants in our restored wilderness of northern KwaZulu-Natal, prompts excitement, respect and awe.
They carry a different energy from their larger white rhino relatives — being more unpredictable, quicker to advance or retreat and known for their fierce determination when provoked.
As a population of approximately 6,000 left in the wild, the status of black rhino is critically endangered. We are helping to ensure their survival through our conservation efforts here with multiple approaches, collaboration and dedicated teams working non-stop to safeguard them from the ever-present threat of poaching.
Seeing them thrive is the greatest reward!
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#BlackRhino
#ConservationSucessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa
Nov 15
BLACK RHINO
Encountering these slightly elusive giants in our restored wilderness of northern KwaZulu-Natal, prompts excitement, respect and awe.
They carry a different energy from their larger white rhino relatives — being more unpredictable, quicker to advance or retreat and known for their fierce determination when provoked.
As a population of approximately 6,000 left in the wild, the status of black rhino is critically endangered. We are helping to ensure their survival through our conservation efforts here with multiple approaches, collaboration and dedicated teams working non-stop to safeguard them from the ever-present threat of poaching.
Seeing them thrive is the greatest reward!
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#BlackRhino
#ConservationSucessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa
BUSH STYLE
This is Mzamo! Well before the sun sets, he heads out into the bush to start setting the scene for the end of the day.
Transforming an elevated rocky outcrop with the quiet glow of lantern light, and preparing sunset drinks, Mzamo adds a little more magic for our guests’ front row seat as they watch Africa’s endless sky show!
#BushStyle
#Sundowners
#LanternLight
#EveningRitual
#AfricanLandscape
#OnSafari
#ThisIsZuka
Nov 13
BUSH STYLE
This is Mzamo! Well before the sun sets, he heads out into the bush to start setting the scene for the end of the day.
Transforming an elevated rocky outcrop with the quiet glow of lantern light, and preparing sunset drinks, Mzamo adds a little more magic for our guests’ front row seat as they watch Africa’s endless sky show!
#BushStyle
#Sundowners
#LanternLight
#EveningRitual
#AfricanLandscape
#OnSafari
#ThisIsZuka
KINGDOM
Step into the avian world where each bird flaunts its unique design, its costume and voice!
There are jewel-like greens and blues, outrageous pink and turquoise, the spectrum of reds, the bars, stripes, rings, crowns and songs - Africa’s birdlife is a theatre!
Through history and ages, birds have been symbols of freedom, wisdom, peace, love, luck, humour, rebirth, power and inspiration, and significant in every culture serving as messengers and totems.
“What kind of bird are you?”
~ Moonrise Kingdom ~
#Birdlife
#ThisIsZuka
#MoonriseKingdom
#WesAnderson
#Kingfisher
#Owl
#BeeEater
#Jacana
#Costumes
#Theatre
#WhatKindOfBirdAreYou
#Wild
Nov 11
KINGDOM
Step into the avian world where each bird flaunts its unique design, its costume and voice!
There are jewel-like greens and blues, outrageous pink and turquoise, the spectrum of reds, the bars, stripes, rings, crowns and songs - Africa’s birdlife is a theatre!
Through history and ages, birds have been symbols of freedom, wisdom, peace, love, luck, humour, rebirth, power and inspiration, and significant in every culture serving as messengers and totems.
“What kind of bird are you?”
~ Moonrise Kingdom ~
#Birdlife
#ThisIsZuka
#MoonriseKingdom
#WesAnderson
#Kingfisher
#Owl
#BeeEater
#Jacana
#Costumes
#Theatre
#WhatKindOfBirdAreYou
#Wild
SPOTTED
This gorgeous trio!
Blending perfectly in the golden dappled light, a female leopard spirals out of a tree, followed by her two cubs who echo her every move.
#Leopard
#LeopardCubs
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#WildlifePhotography
#Conservation
#SuccessStories
Nov 9
SPOTTED
This gorgeous trio!
Blending perfectly in the golden dappled light, a female leopard spirals out of a tree, followed by her two cubs who echo her every move.
#Leopard
#LeopardCubs
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#WildlifePhotography
#Conservation
#SuccessStories
INITIATIVES
As we welcome @eartshotprize and @unitedforwildlife to South Africa this week, we welcome the bright light these initiatives shine on innovation and solutions for nature restoration and protection.
@princeandprinceprincessofwales and their authentic work and commitment in this space has created a global network; unifying our energy at every level from grassroots to government, to do the best for our planet.
Getty Asterism, our multifaceted ecology venture is where we create opportunities for young bright stars to start out, innovate, research and launch onwards, to be a part of this shared movement, and to be solutionaries for the planet too.
#optimistic
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Biodiversity
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#Initiatives
#Collaboration
#Ecology
#Wildlife
#Research
#Innovation
#EartshotCapeTown
Nov 6
INITIATIVES
As we welcome @eartshotprize and @unitedforwildlife to South Africa this week, we welcome the bright light these initiatives shine on innovation and solutions for nature restoration and protection.
@princeandprinceprincessofwales and their authentic work and commitment in this space has created a global network; unifying our energy at every level from grassroots to government, to do the best for our planet.
Getty Asterism, our multifaceted ecology venture is where we create opportunities for young bright stars to start out, innovate, research and launch onwards, to be a part of this shared movement, and to be solutionaries for the planet too.
#optimistic
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Biodiversity
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#Initiatives
#Collaboration
#Ecology
#Wildlife
#Research
#Innovation
#EartshotCapeTown
INTEGRATED
Zuka Private Game Reserve is an integrated conservation model, a living model inextricably linked and interconnected with geographies, projects and NGOs beyond our physical boundary here in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Zuka’s proximity to the Indian Ocean was one of the catalysts in launching Ocean Family Foundation in 2018 to donate to projects that are close to our hearts, in our geographical “back yard”, or both!
Our seed grant and continued commitment to @oceanswithoutborders a programme created by @andbeyondtravel and @wildimpact.earth, is a perfect example of “both”!
Their work in preserving marine eco-systems through dedicated conservation initiatives, spanning 3,000km of coastline, means a lot to us, not least, that we may continue to see these beautiful systems thriving in Zuka’s “back yard”.
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#OceanConservation
#IndianOcean
#WorldHeritageSite
#Turtles
#CoralReef
#EarthshotCapeTown
Nov 4
INTEGRATED
Zuka Private Game Reserve is an integrated conservation model, a living model inextricably linked and interconnected with geographies, projects and NGOs beyond our physical boundary here in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Zuka’s proximity to the Indian Ocean was one of the catalysts in launching Ocean Family Foundation in 2018 to donate to projects that are close to our hearts, in our geographical “back yard”, or both!
Our seed grant and continued commitment to @oceanswithoutborders a programme created by @andbeyondtravel and @wildimpact.earth, is a perfect example of “both”!
Their work in preserving marine eco-systems through dedicated conservation initiatives, spanning 3,000km of coastline, means a lot to us, not least, that we may continue to see these beautiful systems thriving in Zuka’s “back yard”.
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#OceanConservation
#IndianOcean
#WorldHeritageSite
#Turtles
#CoralReef
#EarthshotCapeTown
NOURISHING
Regenerative Agriculture🌍
Thank you to those who inspired us to give this a go!
Our Khula Farm is the source of great learning, discovery and nourishment for our soil, for us, and for many in our area who we supply to.
It’s not really the norm for a game reserve to have such a big swathe of land dedicated to growing organic food, but it emerged for us as an important piece of our integrated conservation model.
Khula Farm is another big commitment alongside land restoration, wilderness preservation and wildlife protection BUT we are not looking back!
Tagging our inspiration around the world - thank you for being our role models – we love what you do💚 🫱🏼🫲🏾
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#KhulaFarm
#Grow
#Regenerative
#RegenerativeAgriculture
#Regeneration
#Soil
#SoilHealth
#GutHealth
#Organic
#Nourish
#PlanetEarth
#EartshotCapeTown
Nov 2
NOURISHING
Regenerative Agriculture🌍
Thank you to those who inspired us to give this a go!
Our Khula Farm is the source of great learning, discovery and nourishment for our soil, for us, and for many in our area who we supply to.
It’s not really the norm for a game reserve to have such a big swathe of land dedicated to growing organic food, but it emerged for us as an important piece of our integrated conservation model.
Khula Farm is another big commitment alongside land restoration, wilderness preservation and wildlife protection BUT we are not looking back!
Tagging our inspiration around the world - thank you for being our role models – we love what you do💚 🫱🏼🫲🏾
#ThisIsZuka
#GettyAsterism
#KhulaFarm
#Grow
#Regenerative
#RegenerativeAgriculture
#Regeneration
#Soil
#SoilHealth
#GutHealth
#Organic
#Nourish
#PlanetEarth
#EartshotCapeTown
GETTY ASTERISM
Is the name of our multifaceted ecology venture based here at Zuka Private Game Reserve!
We are thrilled that Shaquille joined us in May this year as a Research Operator.
Coming with his Bsc Honours in Zoology as well as a Msc in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State (UFS), Shaquille has experience as a Laboratory Assistant, Research Assistant AND as a tutor in the UFS learning support programme, the Academic Student Tutorial and Excellence Programme, or A_STEP as it is known.
💫Getty Asterism is beginning to glimmer with new stars and discoveries, both ancient and fresh, on this intelligent planet Earth!
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#GettyAsterism
#Ecology
#SoilHealth
#Stars
#Constellation
#Asterism
#Conservation
#Research
#Discoveries
#Learning
#InTheField
#PlanetEarth
#EartshotCapeTown
Oct 30
GETTY ASTERISM
Is the name of our multifaceted ecology venture based here at Zuka Private Game Reserve!
We are thrilled that Shaquille joined us in May this year as a Research Operator.
Coming with his Bsc Honours in Zoology as well as a Msc in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State (UFS), Shaquille has experience as a Laboratory Assistant, Research Assistant AND as a tutor in the UFS learning support programme, the Academic Student Tutorial and Excellence Programme, or A_STEP as it is known.
💫Getty Asterism is beginning to glimmer with new stars and discoveries, both ancient and fresh, on this intelligent planet Earth!
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#GettyAsterism
#Ecology
#SoilHealth
#Stars
#Constellation
#Asterism
#Conservation
#Research
#Discoveries
#Learning
#InTheField
#PlanetEarth
#EartshotCapeTown
SHOWDOWN!
This behaviour is called “necking” when male giraffes engage in swinging their heads in powerful arcs, colliding in a display of strength, elegance and impact.
While mostly peaceful to observe, these bouts range from gentle nudges to powerful sweeping strikes to establish dominance, hierarchy or impress potential mates!
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Conservation
#Giraffe
#TowerOfGiraffe
#JourneyOfGiraffe
#AnimalBehaviour
#AfricanWildlife
#NaturalWorld
#OnSafari
#WildlifePhotography
#CaptureTheMoment
#EarthshotCapeTown
Oct 28
SHOWDOWN!
This behaviour is called “necking” when male giraffes engage in swinging their heads in powerful arcs, colliding in a display of strength, elegance and impact.
While mostly peaceful to observe, these bouts range from gentle nudges to powerful sweeping strikes to establish dominance, hierarchy or impress potential mates!
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Conservation
#Giraffe
#TowerOfGiraffe
#JourneyOfGiraffe
#AnimalBehaviour
#AfricanWildlife
#NaturalWorld
#OnSafari
#WildlifePhotography
#CaptureTheMoment
#EarthshotCapeTown
“Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”
~ DAVID WHYTE ~
“Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”