Wild Wings Rising: an update on Matetsi's Ostriches

Matetsi's Ostrich Reintroduction Progress: Young Ostriches Thrive, Roaming and Learning Natural Feeding Habits

Six months ago, GRACE Foundation embarked on a crucial ostrich reintroduction program on Matetsi Private Game Reserve, introducing a flock of adorable ostrich chicks, affectionately known as "the chickens," to this vital wilderness area. Today, we're delighted to share a significant progress report: these young ostriches are flourishing, demonstrating remarkable growth and successfully transitioning to natural feeding and roaming habits. This milestone brings us closer to restoring the locally endangered ostrich population within the Matetsi ecosystem.

“Most of the ostriches now have full adult plumage, and we can tell the difference between the grey-feathered females and the black-feathered males.” says Roseline Midzi, part of GRACE’s Amaganyane team, who has worked closely with the ostriches since their arrival on Matetsi Private Game Reserve.

The transformation of these chicks into robust young ostriches is a testament to the dedication of our wildlife team and the effectiveness of our regenerative conservation efforts. They have undergone a rapid developmental phase, transitioning from dependent chicks, requiring specialized feed, to successful grazers, adept at foraging for their natural diet. This transition is a key indicator of their readiness for eventual release into the wider reserve.

Our team has had a keen focus on the ostriches’ diet, ensuring the specialised feed has the variety of nutrients required for growth and development. More recently, our team have been keenly monitoring their dietary adaptation, observing their enthusiastic exploration of their spacious wildlife boma, and roaming around its proximity on Matetsi Private Game Reserve. They are now confidently exploring remarkable distances and pecking at a variety of grasses, seeds, and insects (we suspect), demonstrating a growing understanding of the Matetsi ecosystem and the natural food sources here. This natural feeding behavior is not only crucial for their nutritional well-being but also plays a vital role in maintaining the biodiversity of the reserve. Ostriches contribute to seed dispersal and grazing patterns, influencing the overall health of the ecosystem.

"Witnessing their natural foraging instincts emerge is truly inspiring." - Roseline Midzi (GRACE Foundation)

Beyond their feeding habits, the young ostriches are also developing essential social skills, forming strong bonds within their group and establishing a natural hierarchy, with a dominant female, who already alerts the flock of perceived danger, protects them and calls them in if a group defence is required. They are becoming more confident and agile, practicing their running, and defence strategies, and adapting to exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain). These are all vital skills for survival in the wild.

Roseline explains further that the ostriches are spending more and more time outside of the wildlife boma walking longer distances to ensure they develop leg-strength, which they require for survival, “They will be walking long distances as they search for food and water. They fight with their legs, they run with their legs. They are learning quickly and adapting well, proving their resilience and adaptability."

GRACE Foundation remains committed to providing the young ostriches with the best possible care as they continue their maturation. We are diligently preparing them for their release into the expansive plains of Matetsi Private Game Reserve, and wider Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area, where they will contribute to the regeneration of their local endangered species and the preservation of Africa's rich wildlife heritage. This ostrich conservation project exemplifies our dedication to creating a sustainable future for this vast wilderness.

Stay tuned for more updates on these magnificent birds as they continue their remarkable journey. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to witness their progress and support our ongoing conservation efforts on Matetsi Private Game Reserve. By supporting GRACE Foundation, you are directly contributing to the wildlife conservation efforts in Zimbabwe, and the overall health of the African Savanna.