Sourcing

Feel-Good Friday: De Beers to Help Relocate 200 Elephants

SourcingJul 27, 2018

Feel-Good Friday: De Beers to Help Relocate 200 Elephants

The diamond miner is partnering with Peace Parks Foundation to move them from South Africa to Mozambique.

20180727_elephant1.jpg
De Beers is partnering with Peace Parks Foundation to relocate 200 elephants from South Africa, where their population has outgrown their nature reserve, to a protected park in Mozambique.

London—De Beers is embarking on a major conservation effort this summer.

The diamond miner will transport 200 elephants 932 miles from the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in South Africa to Mozambique in an effort to protect the wildlife of the former country and to help restore the latter’s elephant population.

De Beers said it is the largest elephant translocation ever recorded in South African history. It is being done in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on the preservation of large functional cross-border ecosystems.

The first phase of the relocation project will see about 60 elephants transported in July and August to Zinave National Park in central Mozambique, which is co-managed by Peace Parks Foundation.

South Africa’s Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve can accommodate about 60 elephants without any negative effects on the ecosystem. But natural population growth has led to 270 currently on the reserve, risking damage to an ecosystem that also has to sustain a number of wild animals.

Wildlife populations in Zinave National Park, however, have been critically depleted after Mozambique’s civil war. The park has the ability to hold a large number of elephants but is currently only home to 60.

“Ecosystems require a range of fauna and flora to stay balanced. If you remove one species, such as elephants, it has a ripple effect on the whole system,” Peace Parks CEO Werner Myburgh said. “The reintroduction of elephants to Mozambique will bring us a step closer to achieving our dream of restoring the landscape and establishing uninterrupted connectivity with seamless migration of wildlife across the parks within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Convervation Area.”


Zinave National Park in central Mozambique

The remaining elephants will be moved to areas in the country that have sufficient room for them next year. 

Peace Parks Foundation will help De Beers with the animals’ translocation to ensure the elephants’ social groups aren’t disturbed and that they flourish in their new habitat by monitoring their wellbeing over time and enhancing protection efforts.

“There is no greater symbol of Africa than the majestic elephant. For us to be able to help secure their future in Mozambique, while also ensuring other species at our Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve can flourish, is something every employee is proud of,” De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver said.

“This translocation is born of a deep sense of responsibility and is part of our
wider commitment to continue to invest in new and innovative ways to protect the natural world.”

In addition to helping move the elephants, De Beers’ also will give $500,000 to Peace Parks Foundation over five years toward anti-poaching support measures, like hiring and training new park rangers and opening new access roads to increase patrol coverage.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Silvia Furmanovich Horse Mane Earrings, Cece Jewellery Underworld Triptych Necklace, Almasika Invictus Flower Brooch
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry Design

Our Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.

Vera Wang
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch Collection

The 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.

24 Karat Club banquet
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf Astoria

The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.

TopImageCrop.jpg
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.

Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.

Zoë Kravitz in Jessica McCormack’s Planetary Necklace
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’

McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.

Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Award Grant Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

Nelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.

David Berdugo
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO

The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.

dca-laptop.jpg
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry Education

With refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.

MJSA Education Foundation logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications Open

The MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.

26.36 carat round brilliant cut
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London

The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.

Cast Compass pendant
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only

Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.

Pyrrha The Space Between Campaign
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New Collection

The collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.

Charles London, Mayer and Fran Udell, Mark and Candy Udell
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100

In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.

Virginia jewelers at charity ball
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s Hospital

The group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Stack of gold bangles on denim
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat

The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More Stores

The retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.

Julianne Moore
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as Ambassador

The award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.

Sorellina Large Bloom Inlay Pendant
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New Collection

The “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.

Constellations Over the Sedona
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation Auction

The unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Bulgari Brand Ambassador
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest Ambassador

Bulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.

TJS scholarship winners 2026
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners

Awards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.

Model wearing diamond necklace and ring
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove Sale

The top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.

Tom Moses
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 Years

Moses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.

Charles & Colvard showroom in Morrisville, North Carolina
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price Pressures

Increased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.

Zome Solara Earrings
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial Beauty

The earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.

Pomellato’s International Women’s Day “The Price of Freedom” Campaign
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse

“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says

Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy