Sourcing

De Beers’ Conservation Effort Relocates More Elephants

SourcingJul 16, 2019

De Beers’ Conservation Effort Relocates More Elephants

The “Moving Giants” project will move 200 elephants from overcrowded South Africa to a spacious national park in Mozambique.

20190716_De_Beers_Elephant_Conservation.jpg
De Beers has helped relocate 101 elephants to Zinave National Park in Mozambique since last summer.

Johannesburg—De Beers is one step further to relocating 200 elephants from South Africa to a protected national park in Mozambique.

The diamond company announced last week that the second group of elephants has been moved from the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in South Africa, where too many elephants are endangering the ecosystem, to Zinave National Park in Mozambique, where the elephant population is dwindling.

Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve can accommodate about 60 elephants without harm to the ecosystem, but the population grew to 270 prior to the first relocation.

Zinave National Park can accommodate around 500 elephants, but the country’s 15-year civil war took a toll on its wildlife and environment.

De Beers began its “Moving Giants” conservation effort last summer, partnering with non-profit Peace Parks Foundation to translocate the elephants over a period of three years.

In July and August 2018, a total of 48 elephants traveled 932 miles to Mozambique in family groups, consisting of matriarchs, younger males and females, and calves.

The first herds of elephants have been integrating with other herds at Zinave National Park and have been “thriving” with more space and food available, the company said in a release.


De Beers has invested $500,000 from the Anglo American Group Foundation to support anti-poaching measures at Zinave National Park.

In June and July 2019, a total of 53 elephants have been moved to the park, with the final herd arriving last week.

The remaining elephants in the South African reserve will be moved next year to Mozambique national parks with room for them.

Peace Parks co-manages Zinave National Park with the Mozambique government and watches over the elephants as they adjust to their new environment.

“The future of the African elephant is bleak in most parts of Africa, except for the southern Africa region, where the outlook on their population numbers are stable and even, in some cases, increasing,” Peace Parks Foundation CEO Werner Myburgh said in a statement.

“Zinave National Park in Mozambique is one of these places and brings hope as a new founder population is on the rise. A rare new beginning in today’s day and age, where there is space and safety for these gentle giants.”

Peace Parks works with the local communities, providing employment and tourist dollars through the park as well as investing in community agriculture, bee keeping and water system improvements.

In Mozambique, 20 percent of a national park’s revenue is granted to the local community.

De

Beers will invest an additional $500,000 investment from the Anglo American Group Foundation to Peace Parks to supports its anti-poaching measures.

Zinave has trained 25 new field rangers from location communities, purchased an aircraft for aerial surveillance, installed a digital radio network and set up an anti-poaching operations control room.

“To be part of a conservation effort that will rehabilitate a national park in Mozambique and at the same time ensure that other species at one of our nature reserves in South Africa can flourish makes me feel very proud,” De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver said.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

My Next Question podcast with Sherry Smith and Edahn Golan
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s Next

Was 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.

Jules Kim of Bijules, Sophie Howard of By Pariah, Jade Ruzzo, Joy Haugaard of Lionheart, Vanessa Fernández of Vanessa Fernández Studio, Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026

Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.

Gavel and books stock image
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store Robbery

Plus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.

JamAlert 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell Jammers

Criminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.

Felice Korr Morris
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91

Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.

Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Bulgari Vimini Collection Campaign
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations

“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay California
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AI

The third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.

Recipients Collage 2025 - NJ (1872 x 1050 px) (1872 x 1052 px).png
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow Today

How Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.

Hiba Husayni, Jules Kim, Johnny Nelson, Dorian Webb, Lorraine West
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant

The grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.

Emmanuel Raheb, National Jeweler columnist and CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026

Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.

Heath Yarges
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities Manager

Heath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.

Peter Yantzer at a diamond cutting machine
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness

Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.

Buccellati Opera Tulle ring
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3

Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.

Lagos SML High Jewelry Bee Brooch
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden Globes

Our Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.

Gavel
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store Robberies

Trevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 Program
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now Open

The program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.

The Venetian Expo Las Vegas
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now Open

A new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.

Avocados From Mexico Golden Double Dip Chip
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden Chip

Avocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.

Marie Lichtenberg Lasso Locket Bracelets Campaign
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New Bracelets

The brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.

“My Next Question: The Podcast” graphic featuring Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.

Saks New York City holiday lights
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEO

The department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.

Colman Domingo
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand Ambassador

The award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.

Burnell’s Fine Jewelry Kristi Regan, Nathan Regan, Sean Hamlin, Erin Carson
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ Award

Edge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, vice president of coaching strategy and development at the Edge Retail Academy
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026

In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.

Orr’s Jewelers David Gordon, Marcia Gordon, Aliza Gordon, Leslie Gordon
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District

The family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store Robbery

Ivel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.

Rio Grande diamonds
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond Melee

The supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.

×

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