An Unexpected Sanctuary

While tigers aren't native to Africa, it doesn't mean they can't thrive in African habitats. At Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve in South Africa, a careful conservation effort is underway to protect this endangered big cat species. EL's LARA SAGE finds out more.

- LARA SAGE

Located in the Free State province of South Africa - in "the middle of nowhere" (with a population density of just one person per ten square kilometres!) Tiger Canyon is a surprising initiative that gives sanctuary and a genuinely wild existence to this majestic, endangered species.

Brought to fruition over a decade ago by a self-proclaimed maverick conservationist, it began with two captive-born tigers who were relocated to the reserve from Canada. Today, thanks to the sound governance of its passionate owners, as many as 20 tigers flourish here, while fending for themselves in a wild environment. The recent arrival of third-generation, wild-born cubs in the reserve gives credence to this ambitious project.

Admittedly, I went with some trepidation: did this concept go against my ingrained conservation beliefs? My concerns were allayed when I saw the vast rewilded areas where the tigers can freely roam. They hunt for their food, they mate and they breed, preserving their endangered gene pool. And they deal with the natural pitfalls of living free: snakes and ticks, and the aggression of other territorial males to name but a few.

An ideal environment

Despite these challenges, it's astounding how befitting this terrain is as a tiger habitat. The tall, verdant green reeds of the waterways are thick and jungle-like. The turn of seasonal grasses brings out orange-lipped blades and other varieties that shine golden in the sunset. The tiger's appearance echoes these colours, along with the terracotta sand and the boulders of the canyon. These boulders sit stacked by nature like spiritual cairns, enticing the predatory cats to gracefully recline on them, surveying their expansive territory from elevated rocky outcrops.