On 7 February 2025, the National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria joined the global movement Reverse the Red, reaffirming its commitment to protecting threatened species through intensive conservation action. This annual observance calls for coordinated global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and protect endangered wildlife and their habitats.
Through its participation, the NZG aligns with international partners to address critical threats to species survival, including habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict. Currently, around 15% of the species housed at the zoo are listed as threatened—including the Scimitar-horned Oryx, Southern Ground Hornbill, Cape Vulture, and Sungazer Lizard.
Conservation in Action: Breeding, Protection, and Partnerships
The NZG plays a central role in both ex-situ (outside natural habitats) and in-situ (within natural habitats) conservation. Its breeding programmes not only maintain genetically diverse captive populations but also contribute to rewilding efforts and long-term species recovery.
Scimitar-horned Oryx: From Extinction to Recovery
Once extinct in the wild, the Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah) has made a comeback thanks to global breeding programmes, including one managed by the NZG for nearly six decades. Following successful births in September 2023 and July 2024, another calf is expected this year. The species has now been reintroduced to protected areas in Chad and downlisted to Endangered.
Cape Vultures: Critical Ecosystem Cleaners
The NZG has led the way in Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) conservation since 1996. These birds, vital for removing carrion and preventing disease, are classed as Vulnerable. NZG’s work supports the national Multi-species Biodiversity Management Plan for Vultures, which seeks to recover all nine vulture species in South Africa by 2033.
Sungazer Lizards: A Global First in Captive Breeding
With 99% of their wild population outside protected areas, Sungazer lizards (Smaug giganteus) are under severe threat. The NZG is the only facility in the world to successfully breed this species in captivity. Working alongside the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Sungazer Working Group, the zoo has rescued and rehabilitated over 30 lizards, with five successful births since 2020.
Southern Ground Hornbill: Rewilding Success
Since 1995, the NZG has contributed to the conservation of the Southern Ground Hornbill, rearing chicks sourced from Kruger National Park for reintroduction in eSwatini. The zoo continues to support the population with active breeding and monitoring efforts for future wild releases.
A Continued Mission to Protect Biodiversity
“Our conservation efforts go beyond the zoo. They reflect our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity through breeding, research, and habitat protection.”
said Tracy Rehse, Director of Animal Collections and Conservation at the NZG.
On Reverse the Red Day, the NZG highlights its unwavering role in protecting South Africa’s unique wildlife. With each breeding success, species recovery project, and partnership, the zoo contributes to reversing the tide of extinction—ensuring that future generations inherit a world rich in biodiversity.