BUILDING A SECOND CHANCE WITH SOFT RELEASE ENCLOSURES
At Wild Tomorrow, every step we take toward restoring wild spaces is an opportunity to give wildlife a second chance. With the acquisition of the new “Sisonke” portion of the reserve and the removal of its old fence line towards the end of 2024, we have been repurposing materials to construct a soft release enclosure—an essential step in the rehabilitation journey for two servals in the care of FreeMe Wildlife.
The Wild Tomorrow Rangers hard at work erecting the fencline.
Soft release enclosures play an important role in rehabilitation and conservation. Unlike a direct release, where rehabilitated animals are placed straight into the wild, a soft release provides a gradual transition. In our region, the presence of predators such as leopards makes soft release enclosures particularly important in helping to increase the chance of survival. Typically, animals released in areas that are home to other predators are first placed in soft release enclosures. This controlled environment gives the animals time to adapt to the sights, sounds, and potential threats of their new habitat before they are fully released into the wild.
One of the two servals rehabilitated by FreeMe Wildlife.
Two servals will soon call Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve home, arriving via a soft release, which will be key to their success in the wild. After months of rehabilitation at FreeMe Wildlife, the servals will spend time acclimating to the sights, sounds, and conditions of their new habitat. Read more about these two servals here: Servals of Ukuwela.
The servals’ soft release will contrast with the hard release we carried out over a year ago with a male serval. Due to his age when admitted to FreeMe Wildlife, the male serval was already naturally exposed to the wild environment, making him more prepared for an independent wild life. His collar, which is still active, continues to send us data on his location. His movements show that, even a year after release, he is thriving in the wild. You can read more about his release here: A servals journey of hope: from rehabilitation to release.
The construction of the soft release enclosure on our Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is a milestone, not just for these servals but for future wildlife releases too. By repurposing materials from the old fence for a new soft release enclosure, we are ensuring that every element of Sisonke’s transformation contributes to conservation.
The two new soft-release enclosures on Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.
There is much work to do to support our ongoing serval rehabilitation program, with additional rescued servals currently in care, waiting for the right moment (and age) for their turn at a release into the wild. Help support our program by donating via the button below.