BIDDERS paid over R13-million for private game reserve animals auctioned by the KZN branch of Wildlife Ranching South Africa at the Mkhuze Country Club.
A new SA record was set when a six year-old male Nyala with 31-inch horns fetched R500 000, more than double the previous best of R205 000.
A White rhino bull went under the hammer for R650 000, close to the SA record of R720 000, while a White rhino cow and bull calf pair also fetched R650 000.
A total of 1 289 animals, including more than 600 Nyala antelope, sold for a combined R13 122 150.
The auction, a first among private game reserve owners, was conducted by Neil Swart of Vleissentraal.
Buyers attended from many parts of the country.
The auction was supported and overseen by Bheki Xhosa from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who said ‘the ultimate goal is the conservation of biodiversity and of the species’ and auctions such as this ‘must be encouraged’.
