History
The Story of Kishindo Private Game Reserve
A Legacy of Rewilding
The history of Kishindo Private Game Reserve begins in 1999. When renowned conservationist John Varty, co-owner of Londolozi Game Reserve, recognized the perilous plight of tigers. Alarmed by their dwindling numbers in Asia, Varty conceived a bold vision: to establish a thriving ex-situ population of wild tigers in South Africa.
2009 JV, his sons Sean and Tao with Ricky.
The Ex-Situ Conservation Model
Inspired by Dr. Ian Player’s pioneering rhino conservation project, JV relocated a pair of tiger cubs from a Canadian zoo to his Free State property called “Tiger Canyons.” In a groundbreaking move, the young tigers enjoyed daily supervised bush walks, a practice that proved pivotal in their rewilding journey. Over time, two more captive-born South African tiger cubs joined the reserve, further enriching the genetic diversity of the growing tiger population.
2009 Tigress Julie and her tiny cub Tibo.
Tiger Rewilding Progress
Today, Kishindo boasts third and fourth-generation tigers. These tigers have successfully adapted to the African wilderness. These remarkable cats hunt for themselves. This ensures their self-sustainability in their adopted homeland. Their remarkable progress has solidified Kishindo’s reputation. Kishindo is now a global leader in tiger rewilding. It offers invaluable insights for the conservation of critically endangered tiger subspecies.
Shadow, a founder tigress, with her cubs.
A Vision for The Future
In 2013, Rodney and Lorna Drew joined forces with JV, sharing his vision of expanding the ex-situ tiger project into a vast reserve dedicated to endangered big cat conservation. Their ambitious project involved acquiring and restoring 3 farms adjacent the original reserve to expand the land size four-fold. creating a protected haven for wildlife.
Rodney and Lorna Drew.
Some of the founder tigers were relocated onto the expanded reserve.
Expanding the Project
Cheetahs, once extinct in the Free State, were reintroduced to the reserve in 2013 as part of the Cheetah Wild project. In collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and The Metapopulation Initiative, Kishindo has successfully bred and relocated numerous young cheetah to other game reserves throughout Africa. The reserve’s unique approach to cheetah conservation involves rewilding captive-born individuals, re-wilding them, and breeding them with wild cheetahs, aiming to diversify the species’ gene pool.
2013 Cheetahs, Shashe and Mara, are re-wilded.
After living with the tigers for 17 years JV returned to live at Londolozi where he continues his work as a wildlife conservationist. His legacy at Kishindo lives on.
“The tigers at Tiger Canyon are not here for our convenience to be viewed and photographed as we wish. They are fellow creatures trapped in an evolutionary moment with us. All are on a journey of freedom. When you visit Tiger Canyon, you join that journey. Enjoy the ride.”
JV
Construction of the Canyon Lodge
In 2017, the Drew family completed construction. They opened Canyon Lodge. This offered guests a unique opportunity. Guests could experience the reserve’s conservation efforts firsthand. Their commitment to ethical and sustainable ecotourism contributed significantly. This funding supported the various wildlife conservation projects.
Partnership and Expansion
The Drew family, now joined by their daughter Kirsten, her husband Wesley, and the grandchildren. Continue to expand the reserve with unwavering passion and dedication.
Wesley, Kirsty and Rodney with the first 7 seater Land Cruiser Game Drive vehicle.
Long-Term Vision
In 2024, Kishindo underwent a rebranding to better reflect its long-term vision as a conservation leader in re-wilding. The reserve’s name was changed to Kishindo Private Game Reserve, and its three primary focuses were identified as Re-wilding, Cheetah Wild, and Tiger Canyon.
Land Transformation
Over the past decade, Kishindo’s history showcases a remarkable transformation. What was once arid and desolate farmland has been restored to its natural state, now teeming with diverse wildlife. Furthermore, the reserve’s efforts to reintroduce apex predators have played a crucial role in restoring the ecosystem’s balance. Consequently leading to the return of numerous species once thought extinct in the region.
Kishindo wildlife numbers continue to increase.
Conservation Success
Kishindo’s history demonstrates the power of conservation and the importance of creating protected areas for endangered wildlife. Through its journey, much has been learned about big cat rewilding and the value of ex-situ conservation to various global efforts aimed at saving endangered big cats. As the reserve continues to grow and expand its efforts, its history establishes it as a beacon of hope for the future of big cat conservation.
2013 Founder tigers, Seatao and Shadow.
