WATERBUCK and zebras are now roaming freely in an African nature reserve thanks to Colchester Zoo.Ten waterbuck and fourteen zebras were released into the zoo's reserve, UmPhafa, in South Africa.

WATERBUCK and zebras are now roaming freely in an African nature reserve thanks to Colchester Zoo.

Ten waterbuck and fourteen zebras were released into the zoo's reserve, UmPhafa, in South Africa.

The reserve, which is operated by its charity Action for the Wild, and is situated around 20km southwest of Ladysmith in KwaZulu Natal South Africa, has gone from strength to strength since the first of four ex-cattle farms was bought last year.

A spokeswoman for the zoo said: “With the fencing there now complete and rangers patrolling the reserve the animals should be able to live long and protected lives.

“They join the many other species that are already living on the reserve including waterbuck and zebra from a previous release, giraffe, kudu, impala, black-backed jackals, red-hartebeest, warthogs and blesbok to name a few!

“It is hoped that there will be a release of rhinos to the reserve later in the year.”

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