BOTASH Wildlife park An oasis in the desert

21 Jul 2024

In the heart of Makgadikgadi, where salt pans stretch to the horizon and ancient baobab trees stand watch over the shifting sands, a hidden oasis blooms like a mirage.

It is here, in a sanctuary of life amid the inhospitable desert that the BOTASH Wildlife Park was born, nurtured by the spirit of conservation that has long defined the company.

With a vision to protect and preserve Botswana’s rich biodiversity, BOTASH, in collaboration with wildlife experts, began to craft a heaven for animals rescued from the illicit wildlife trade.

In this arid sanctuary, BOTASH not only rescue animals in need, but also forge a unique alliance with the tourism industry.

Envisioning the potential for education and awareness, BOTASH opened its doors to tourists, offering guide tours through the park where the breath-taking beauty of Botswana’s wildlife could be experienced up close.

From the gentle graze of the Springboks to that of the Rhinoceros, the park has become a magnet for visitors from near and far, each captivated by the magic of this unexpected desert Eden.

The park rises like a defiant phoenix, spanning over 26 kilometres circumference of arid terrain.

The dream of BOTASH Wildlife Park was first seeded in 2019, when a small group of people, led by the then company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Montwedi Mphathi, decided to transform a portion of the company’s land into a heaven for animals.

BOTASH Conservation Officer, Mr Gosetsepako Lekgowe, said the park was a thriving ecosystem that sings with the joys of biodiversity.

He explained that although the park was still in its infant stage, they received tourists from local and abroad and that as time went on, they expected more tourists to visit the park.

He said most of the animals were bought from Morupule Coal Mine and Khama Rhino Sanctuary and all of them adapted well in the terrain.

Mr Lekgowe indicated that in the years since its inception, the park witnessed a remarkable surge in its animal populations, with species that were once on the brink of extinction now flourishing.

He stated that there were about 129 animals in the park that ranged from Eland, Zebras, Rhinos, Wildebeests, Springboks and Ostriches amongst others.

However, Mr Lekgowe said they were still reluctant to introduce dangerous animals such as Lions and Cheetahs as they want the park to be user-friendly, though such animals could attract more tourists.

He explained that at the core of BOTASH’s conservation efforts was a commitment to sustainable practices and an unwavering determination to preserve Botswana’s precious biodiversity.

To this end, the company has implemented a range of initiatives that has revitalised the ecosystem and ensured the continued well-being of its animal inhabitants.

These include wildlife monitoring and management, ensuring that populations remain healthy and balanced.

Others include the reintroduction of species previously absent from the area as well as the habitat restoration, including the establishment of watering points to mitigate the impact of drought.

He said these efforts were bearing bountiful fruits, transforming the barren landscape into a flourishing haven for wildlife.

Meanwhile, Mr Lekgowe explained that in the midst of the Makgadikgadi Epic festival, the residents of the BOTASH Wildlife Park remained stoically unfazed by the commotion.

“These hardy creatures have become matters of adaptation, unfailing their expertise in navigating their way around the vibrant human activity,” he said.

He said when the epic is on, these animals swiftly move to the other side of the park and only to return after the festivity is over.

He explained that the park’s denizens have developed a keen sense for avoiding the noise, cleverly taking refuge in their quieter sections of their domain.

Mr Lekgowe explained that even after the epic, they would return to their normal stay and do not show signs of having been disturbed by the activities of the park.

He said Montwedi Jr, a Rhino named after the then CEO, Mr Mphathi, died a year ago and was disciplined so much that it epitomised grace and power in perfect harmony.

“With every step he took, the ground trampled beneath his mighty hooves, yet his movements remained fluid and purposeful,” he said.

He said Montwedi Jr, embodied the spirit of leadership and strength, ruling over its domain with fierce determination and protective streak that kept the other animals of the park safe and secure.

The CEO, Mr Mphathi made headlines back when he was at the helm of BCL mine, and his iron-fist leadership style proved to be effective.

“Montwedi the Jr was the very embodiment of resilience, its nurturing care for the other animals revealed a depth of compassion that transcended the realities of life in the park,” said Mr Lekgowe.

BOTASH wildlife park animals are indeed flourishing in an oasis of conservation. 

With a starting population of just more than a dozen animals, including a pair of greater Rhinos and herd of Springboks, the park’s journey began with a humble but resolute step towards a sustainable future.

Visitors can now marvel at the majestic Gemsbok, as they stride across the salt pans, cutting a striking silhouette against the sun-drenched landscape.

The seemingly inhospitable landscape, dominated by shimmering salt pans and sparse vegetation, might appear to be devoid of life.

Yet, against all odds, this barren expanse has been transformed into a veritable sanctuary, a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of those committed to preserving Botswana’s rich biodiversity.

And they can observe the herds of the Springboks, their graceful leaps echoing the rhythm of the Makgadikgadi. Ends

Source : BOPA

Author : Thamani Shabani

Location : Sowa Town

Event : Interview

Date : 21 Jul 2024