PRETORIA. – The future of one of South Africa’s best-known private flamingo conservation initiatives has entered a new chapter, with conservationist Mike Bolhuis announcing that the management and governance of the Mike Bolhuis Flamingo Project NPC will be transferred to the Zaagkuilsdrift Conservation Foundation.
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Mike Bolhuis Flamingo Project moves to Zaagkuilsdrift
The announcement follows years of work to protect and rehabilitate flamingos, including birds rescued during the environmental crisis at Kamfers Dam outside Kimberley, one of Southern Africa’s most important breeding sites for Lesser Flamingos. Thousands of chicks were rescued from the dam during the devastating drought of 2019, with the project becoming one of the country’s largest private wildlife rescue operations.
Bolhuis said the decision was made after careful consideration and with a single objective in mind.
“To secure the long-term future of the flamingos and the conservation goals for which the NPC was established,” he said.
According to the public statement, the Zaagkuilsdrift Conservation Foundation, led by Alexander Howard Hattingh, has the facilities, expertise and long-term vision required to continue expanding the project. Hattingh is the owner of Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary, Chairman of the Wildfowl and Gamebird Association of Africa, African Director of the Numididae Conservation Project and an active conservation breeder involved in several national and international initiatives.
Bolhuis expressed confidence that the flamingos are being entrusted to capable custodians.
“It is my firm belief that this new chapter will enable the project to continue expanding and making a meaningful contribution to conservation in South Africa,” Bolhuis said, while thanking every donor, volunteer and supporter who helped build the initiative over the years.
Kimberley flamingos remain part of the legacy
Although the project’s administration is changing, the significance of the Kimberley flamingos remains central to its history.
Kamfers Dam, situated just north of Kimberley, is internationally recognised as one of the few breeding sites for Lesser Flamingos in Africa. Environmental challenges, including drought and later pollution concerns, placed enormous pressure on the birds and prompted large-scale rescue and rehabilitation efforts over recent years. Bolhuis has repeatedly advocated for the protection of the wetland and supported initiatives aimed at restoring the ecosystem.
The latest announcement confirms that the transfer relates only to the Mike Bolhuis Flamingo Project NPC.
Bolhuis emphasised that his broader work in animal welfare, investigations, rescue operations and other conservation initiatives will continue independently under his direct leadership.
New home for the flock
The transition has already begun in practice.
On 14 July 2026, a total of 229 flamingos were successfully relocated from Leeuwfontein near Pretoria to their new permanent home at the Zaagkuilsdrift Conservation Foundation near Bela-Bela. The birds were transported in specially designed crates over four carefully planned trips to minimise stress and ensure their safety.
The foundation says the flamingos will continue serving as ambassadors for wetland conservation, biodiversity protection and environmental education as the project enters its next phase.
