COLLARING WITH CARE: HOW GRI KEEPS ELEPHANTS SAFE IN THE WILD

Blog by Lisa Olivier

GRI - Conservation Behaviour Advisor

Before sunrise, the bush around the Kafue Release Facility was alive with purpose. Radios crackled and engines rumbled to life, as the GRI team in cooperation with African Parks and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) prepared for one of the most important operations of the year — the collaring of five orphaned elephants at different stages of their journey back to the wild.

The day would begin with a flight west to Mulobezi Game Management Area (GMA), where Rufunsa awaited a much-needed replacement collar, before returning to the more familiar landscapes of Kafue National Park to fit new GPS collars on Mphamvu and Mulisani. The operation would conclude back in the predictable routine of the Kafue Release facility with Lani and Nkala. Each collar fitted strengthening the link between freedom and protection, allowing the team to keep watch as these elephants forge independent lives in the wild. 

With the helicopter blades still turning, the collaring team steps into action. Kasi Kalande (Senior Research Officer), Maison Chukka (Animal Welfare Supervisor) with Brad Reid (African Parks Pilot). PC - Tiph Metrard

Why Collaring Matters

Tracking plays a vital role in post-release monitoring (PRM). Using satellite technology, we can follow released elephants across vast landscapes — mapping their movements, identifying new herd formations, and assessing how orphaned elephants integrate into the wild population.

The data also reveals critical information about human-elephant interactions, habitat, and seasonal migration routes. This insight not only supports the long-term welfare of the released elephants but also strengthens protection strategies across Kafue National Park and its surrounding Game Management Areas.

"Each collar helps us understand how elephants adapt, where they travel, and how we can keep them safe." — Martin Lumande, GRI Research Assistant, Post-Release Monitoring.

Refitting Rufunsa’s Collar for Continued Protection & Monitoring

Now fully integrated into the wild, Rufunsa continues to thrive, demonstrating strong adaptation and independence. [Age 17, stage 6 - Free Roaming Independent]

Rufunsa was the first elephant located that morning, within the Mulobezi GMA — a remote and challenging area accessible only by helicopter. As a younger elephant Rufunsa had a slow growth curve, but upon release (since Aug 2022) we have seen rapid growth and his old collar (fitted 2023) had become too tight and needed urgent replacement. With a small, focused four-person team working efficiently on the ground and veterinary oversight from DNPW, the operation unfolded smoothly. Rufunsa was darted from the air, within minutes he fell asleep, enabling the team to land, ensure his health, and replace his collar. The new-collar features drop link technology so that in the future it may be released from his neck without the need to sedate him.

Each collar is secured with room to grow — ensuring comfort and longevity for years to come

DNPW Vet Dr. Jonathan Sinyinza conducting the final checks along with GRI Senior Research Assistant

Monitoring Mphamvu for Coexistence Insights

Mphamvu remains closely bonded with Mosi and Chamilandu’s herd, growing in strength and confidence as he transitions toward greater independence. [Age 12 years, 6 months, stage 5 – Free Roaming Independent.]

Mphamvu’s name means strength, and it suits him well. Although seemingly settled with Chamilandu’s herd at the moment, he has made previous excursions to the Nkala GMA. Therefore, recollaring him could also provide us with knowledge about wild elephant movements in this key area and contribute to Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWC).

As a released elephant, Mphamvu also required locating and darting by air for safety. As the dart took effect, the ground team moved swiftly. The team worked with precision, fitting a new collar while conducting a full health check — confirming excellent body condition and tusk development. Within minutes, the collar was secured, data recorded, and reversal drugs administered. Moments later, Mphamvu rose steadily to his feet before he disappeared back into the mopane woodland, likely in search of Chamma and his surrogate siblings.

Each collar is carefully fitted to ensure safety and comfort. PC - Tiph Metrard

Health checks being conducted and samples collected. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

Mphamvu quickly returning to his feet. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

Re-collaring Mulisani to Strengthen Behaviour & Movement Data

Mulisani is successfully living in the wild, consistently seen with Chamilandu’s herd, and maintaining a close bond with Kavalamanja, showing his strong social integration. [Age 10 years 7 months, stage 5 – Free Roaming Independent.]

Mulisani’s previous collar had also malfunctioned, and refitting it was essential to continue gathering behavioural and movement data that help measure his post-release success.

Located within 1.5km of the release facility, his operation brought together the full field team, each knowing precisely what to do. With seamless coordination, every Ranger had a purpose.

A coordinated effort between air and grounds team. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

DNPW Vet Dr. Jonathan Sinyinza administers the reversal. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

Research Assistant Lysia Biemba recording health and growth data. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

The Next Generation of Release – Nkala & Lani

Nkala is the oldest elephant that has not yet been released and is increasingly independent, spending more time alone as he prepares for the wild. [Age 12 years 6 months, stage 3 – Release Facility (still in the safety of the fenced boma at night)]. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

Lani has shown excellent recovery following the successful removal of a trunk papilloma and continues to maintain good health as she strengthens her readiness for release. [Age 8 years, 1 month, stage 3 – Release Facility (still in the safety of the fenced boma at night)]. PC - Tom Deschamps Photography

The day’s final operations focused on Nkala and Lani, both pre-release elephants expected to disperse from the orphan herd soon. Fitting them with GPS collars will allow the team to track their first explorations into full independence — vital data for understanding how young, released elephants navigate their early years in the wild, as well as monitoring their welfare.

The team waited for the elephants to return to the boma from their daily afternoon walk. The operation was smooth and precise. The team worked quietly and efficiently, ensuring each elephant remained calm and comfortable throughout. As the reversal drugs took effect, both Lani and Nkala rose and rejoined their companions — the next generation of release, ready to take on the wild with a link back to those who helped them get there.

Every effort is made to minimise stress for the elephants. PC- Tiph Metrard

Nkala getting back on his feet. PC - Tiph Metrard

Lani is back on her feet. PC - Tiph Metrard

Skill, Strength & Precision

“This was a very successful operation that required dedication and teamwork. There was a high level of coordination and cooperation among the team, which enabled us to complete the task within the scheduled time.”  (Martin Lumande: GRI Post-Release Monitoring Research Assistant)

Elephant collaring is a highly demanding operation, requiring physical endurance, precision, and unwavering focus under pressure. Teams must navigate challenging terrain, work quickly yet safely around a sedated but still powerful wild animal, and remain alert to the presence of other elephants who may return to defend the herd. The mental demands are just as intense — rapid decision-making, clear communication, and calm coordination between veterinarians, rangers, pilots, and keepers are essential to ensure both animal welfare and human safety. Successfully collaring five elephants in a single operation is a testament to exceptional technical skill, meticulous planning, and a deeply committed, cohesive team able to perform at the highest level in demanding field conditions.

Rangers and vets secure and fit a GPS collar — a physically demanding and time-critical task that enables safe monitoring of elephant movements. PC - Tiph Metrard

This operation was made possible through collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and African Parks, with generous support from IFAW, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Olsen Animal Trust and Indiana University.

Together, these invaluable partnerships ensure that Zambia’s orphaned elephants continue their journey — from rescue, to rehabilitation, to freedom. Saving wildlife and wild spaces — together.