Saving the Bearded Vulture

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟴 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. In the heart of the Eastern Cape, a group of White-backed and Cape vultures survey their new home. These birds are part of a group of 163 vultures moved from Vulpro, a sanctuary at Hartbeespoort in the North West, to a private game reserve in the Eastern Cape. In Africa’s largest vulture relocation, truckloads of the raptors were captured and driven over a thousand kilometres to the unspoilt wilderness at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The new bespoke facility will focus on rehabilitation and captive breeding programmes, with the goal of releasing new generations of vultures back into the wild. Carte Blanche followed them on their long trek to their new home. Find more exclusive content on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟳 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯. It’s a vulnerable species but in Limpopo’s Blouberg Nature Reserve, the Cape vulture has found a home. High in the mountains, some 1400 breeding pairs nest on the cliffs and catching a glimpse means a difficult hike up challenging terrain. But that doesn’t dissuade some avid nature lovers from embarking on the sweltering trek. Carte Blanche dons a pair of khaki shorts and hardy boots to join the faithful in their pilgrimage to see the venerable vulture in its natural environment. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟮 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯. A once healthy and happy child who suddenly fell into the depths of depression and attempted suicide... Josh Crickmay’s story could have ended quite differently were it not for the unique and life-altering intervention of his parents, Kathy and Andrew. When their son - just 15 - became violent and endured bouts of severe depression, eventually dropping out of school, they sought medical help. After a year filled with hospital visits, Josh was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, a condition on the spectrum that affects the ability to communicate and socialise. The diagnosis was the turning point for Kathy and Andrew who decided that saving their only child meant taking drastic steps as a family. They quit their jobs to take him on a “Birding Big Year”: 365 days to spot and document 1000 species of birds. And so began a year of adventure that would eventually save Josh and provide him with much-needed purpose. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟮 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯. Poaching has decimated our rhino population, a scourge that continues unabated despite concerted attempts by conservation groups and others to stem the tragic tide. Now, this threatened species has been given a lifeline: 2 000 semi-wild rhinos, once owned by a high-profile businessman and breeder, will be rewilded into reserves across the continent. It’s an audacious plan with significant risks, but the purchase of the world’s largest population of privately owned rhino could be a game-changer for these mammals. Can this ambitious conservation effort help secure a future for the white rhino? Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv