Southern Ground-Hornbill Project

Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is part of  the  Southern Ground-Hornbill Breeding Programme. Our facility was  chosen for captive breeding to help build a conservation insurance population with adequate genetic diversity. The enclosures were specifically designed for the long-term housing of Ground-Hornbills.

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The enclosure can be seen from a distance, unfortunately because of the flightiness of the birds, we cannot allow for closer interactions at this time. 

Blue Crane Breeding Project 

At Zaagkuilsdrift, we are deeply committed to the conservation of South Africa’s national bird—the Blue Crane (Grus paradisea), which is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. With wild populations facing serious threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and infrastructure collisions, we see great value in maintaining a strong and genetically healthy captive-bred population. While our program does not focus on releasing birds into the wild, it plays a vital role in safeguarding the species' future by ensuring the ongoing presence of viable, well-cared-for breeding stock within South Africa. Our approach supports long-term conservation by preserving genetic diversity, fostering public awareness, and upholding the legacy of this iconic bird for generations to come.