Wildlife at AQuila

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Aquila's Wildlife

The Big 5

• What are the Big 5 animals?

  The Big 5 animals include; Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos and Rhinos.

   

• Will I see the Big 5 on safari at Aquila?

  Sightings of the Big 5 at Aquila cannot be guaranteed. The animals roam freely across the reserve, and their visibility depends on time of day, season, weather, and natural behaviour.

  Aquila does not use trackers or collars on its wildlife. Instead, our rangers rely on their knowledge of animal behaviour, vegetation patterns, and the time of day to locate animals, ensuring guests have the best possible chance of sightings while allowing the wildlife to remain undisturbed.

• Why are they called the "Big 5"?

  The term “Big 5” originally comes from early African hunters, who used it to describe the five most challenging and dangerous animals to hunt on foot – the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

  Today, the phrase has taken on a new and positive meaning. Instead of symbolising hunting, it represents Africa’s most iconic and admired wildlife species, sought after by photographers, travellers, and conservationists alike. At Aquila, the Big 5 are celebrated as powerful symbols of wildlife conservation and natural heritage.

• Why were the Big 5 hunted?

  The Big 5 were originally hunted by early explorers and professional hunters in Africa because they were considered the most dangerous and challenging animals to track and kill on foot. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo were prized trophies due to their size, strength, and the risk involved, making them symbols of skill and bravery among hunters.

   

• Why aren't hippos part of the Big 5?

  Although hippos are large and powerful animals, they are not part of the Big 5 because the term doesn’t refer to size or strength – it originally described the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

  While hippos can indeed be aggressive and are considered one of Africa’s most dangerous animals, they were not traditionally hunted in the same way as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. The Big 5 were prized for the challenge and risk involved in tracking them through the wild, whereas hippos were typically hunted near rivers or waterholes, making them easier to locate.

• Why are the Big 5 on South African banknotes?

  The Big 5 animals – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – appear on South Africa’s banknotes as powerful symbols of the country’s natural heritage, strength, and biodiversity.

  These iconic species are among Africa’s most recognised and admired animals, representing not only the beauty of the continent’s wildlife but also the importance of conservation and national pride. Their inclusion on South African currency serves as a reminder of the country’s rich ecological diversity and its responsibility to protect endangered species for future generations.

  The Big 5 designs first appeared on the South African rand in the early 1990s and continue to feature on modern banknotes, celebrating the deep connection between wildlife, culture, and identity in South Africa.

• Is the Big 5 only in Africa?

  Yes, the Big 5 is a term specifically associated with African wildlife. These five species – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – are native to the continent and were historically considered the most challenging animals to hunt on foot in Africa.

  While other continents have large or iconic animals, the concept of the Big 5 is uniquely African, reflecting the region’s distinctive biodiversity and safari heritage. Today, the term celebrates Africa’s iconic wildlife and is widely used in tourism, conservation, and photography contexts.

Leopards

• Are there leopards at Aquila?

  Yes. Although leopards are rarely seen, camera traps have confirmed the presence of Cape leopards in the reserve.

• Will I see a leopard at Aquila?

  Leopards are elusive, solitary, and nocturnal, preferring the rocky outcrops and mountain slopes within the reserve. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed, making every glimpse of these magnificent cats truly special.

• What is the difference between Cape leopards and African leopards?

  Cape leopards (Panthera pardus pardus) are a subspecies of the African leopard that primarily inhabit the mountainous and forested regions of the Western and Eastern Cape in South Africa. They are typically solitary, elusive, and nocturnal, well-adapted to rocky terrain and dense vegetation. Cape leopards are known for their distinctive rosette patterns, slightly smaller size compared to some savanna counterparts, and incredible climbing ability.

  African leopards, by contrast, are found in open grasslands, Savannas, and bushveld regions across much of sub-Saharan Africa. They are generally larger, with adaptations suited for hunting in more open environments, and their behaviour is influenced by prey availability and exposure in the savanna landscape.

• Where are Cape leopards found?

  Cape leopards (Panthera pardus pardus) are primarily found in South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape provinces, especially within the Cape Fold Mountains. They favour rugged, rocky terrain, mountainous slopes, and dense vegetation, which provide both cover and ideal hunting grounds.

  In addition to the Cape Fold Mountains, Cape leopards can also be found in isolated mountain ranges, private game reserves, and protected national parks throughout the region. Their elusive and solitary nature means they are rarely seen, with most sightings documented through camera traps, spoor, or tracks, highlighting the importance of conservation areas in protecting these rare predators.

Rhinos

• What species of rhinos are at Aquila?

  Aquila is home to Southern White Rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum), one of the most iconic and recognisable rhino species in Africa. These rhinos are larger than their Black Rhino counterparts, with a broad, square-shaped mouth adapted for grazing on grasses.

  The Southern White Rhino is listed as Near Threatened, and Aquila actively contributes to their protection through conservation practices such as anti-poaching measures and habitat management, ensuring these magnificent animals can thrive safely within the reserve.

• Why don’t Aquila’s rhinos have horns?

  Aquila’s rhinos have been dehorned as a precautionary measure to deter poachers. Rhino horns grow back over time, and the procedure is done humanely by qualified wildlife veterinarians under sedation, ensuring the animals are not harmed.

• Does Aquila have an anti-poaching unit?

  Yes. Aquila has a dedicated anti-poaching unit that patrols the reserve. For the safety of our staff and animals, we do not disclose specific details about our team’s operations.

• What is SPR?

  SPR (Saving Private Rhino) is a non-profit initiative founded by Aquila to support rhino conservation across South Africa. It provides anti-poaching training and emergency medical assistance to reserves protecting these endangered animals.

• Why are rhinos a target for poachers?

  Rhinos are targeted by poachers primarily for their horns, which are made of keratin – the same substance as human hair and nails. Rhino horn is highly valued in some cultures for traditional medicine, ornamental carvings, and as a status symbol, driving a lucrative illegal market.

  This demand has made rhinos one of the most endangered species in Africa, with poaching threatening populations across South Africa and other countries.

African Lion

• Are the Lions at Aquila kept in a separate enclosure?

  Yes, the lions at Aquila are kept in a spacious, secure enclosure that is separate from the reserve’s free-roaming wildlife. This enclosure is fully aligned with South African conservation legislation and follows ethical wildlife care standards.

• Why are the lions at Aquila kept in a separate enclosure?

  The lions at Aquila are rescued from the canned hunting industry and cannot be released into the wild. To ensure their safety and the wellbeing of the reserve’s free-roaming wildlife, they live in a large, secure enclosure within the reserve

  Aquila fully complies with provincial and national conservation legislation, including CapeNature’s Fencing Policy for Predators These regulations outline the ethical management and containment of large predators (carnivores) on private land to ensure animal welfare, prevent conflict, and protect the broader ecosystem.

  This approach ensures responsible wildlife management while allowing the lions to live out their lives safely, supporting education, awareness, and ethical conservation.

• Are Aquila's lions rescued?

  Yes. The lions at Aquila were rescued from the canned hunting industry, where they would have been bred or kept in captivity specifically for trophy hunting.

  Aquila provides them with spacious, secure enclosures that mimic natural habitats and comply with provincial and national wildlife regulations. This ensures the lions are safe, well-cared for, and able to exhibit natural behaviours, while supporting ethical and sustainable wildlife conservation.

• What is canned hunting?

  Canned hunting is an unethical practice in which wild animals, often bred or kept in captivity, are hunted in confined areas where they have little chance of escape. The animals are typically raised in enclosures specifically to be hunted for sport, making the activity highly unfair and exploitative.

  This practice is widely condemned by conservationists and animal welfare organisations, as it does not reflect ethical hunting or natural wildlife behaviour. Many lions at private game reserves, like Aquila, have been rescued from the canned hunting industry and are now cared for in secure, natural enclosures to live safely and freely as part of legitimate conservation efforts.

General Wildlife and Safari Questions

• What animals are at Aquila?

  Aquila is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), as well as giraffes, hippos, ostriches, wildebeest, zebras, and numerous antelope species such as springbok, eland, and kudu. The reserve also supports a rich birdlife and smaller mammals that thrive in the Karoo habitat.

• Can I touch the animals at Aquila?

  No. Aquila follows a strict no-touch policy to ensure the well-being of both guests and animals. This helps maintain natural behaviour and supports ethical wildlife tourism.

• Can I feed the animals at Aquila?

  No. Feeding wildlife is not permitted at Aquila. The animals forage naturally within their environment, which is essential for their health and natural instincts.

• Can I self-drive through the reserve?

  No, self-driving through the reserve is not permitted at Aquila. All safaris are conducted in guided vehicles led by experienced rangers, ensuring both guest safety and the protection of the wildlife and environment. This approach also allows guests to enjoy a safe, educational, and ethical safari experience while observing the animals in their natural behaviours.

• What is ARC?

  ARC is Aquila’s Animal Rescue Center. ARC is a facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of injured or orphaned wildlife. Animals under observation receive veterinary treatment and, once recovered, are released back into the reserve when possible.

• What is the best time of year for game-viewing?

  Wildlife can be observed at Aquila year-round, but sightings may vary depending on the season and weather. This is what you can expect depending on the season;

  • Summer (November–March): Animals are often more spread out due to plentiful water and grazing, but birdlife is at its peak, and many species have young, offering the chance to see babies in the wild.

  • Winter (May–August): Cooler, drier conditions draw wildlife to waterholes, making animals generally easier to spot during safari drives.

  Regardless of the season, Aquila offers an authentic and rewarding safari experience throughout the year.

• Are the animals at Aquila wild?

  Yes, the animals at Aquila are wild. While some were rescued or rehabilitated, they are not tamed or handled, ensuring their natural instincts are preserved.

  What started as a 10 000 hectare conservancy for native antelope species and small game animals, slowly transformed into a Big 5 game reserve with the introduction of lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, and the cape leopard. 

• Are Aquila's safaris safe?

  Yes. Aquila’s safaris are completely safe and conducted under strict safety protocols. All game drives are led by qualified and experienced rangers who are trained in both wildlife behaviour and guest safety.

  Guests remain in secure, open safari vehicles designed for optimal viewing while maintaining a safe distance from the animals. The rangers closely monitor wildlife movements and ensure that every encounter respects both animal space and guest comfort.

  Aquila also complies with South African tourism and conservation safety regulations, making it one of the safest and most reputable safari experiences near Cape Town. Guests can relax and enjoy their adventure knowing that both safety and animal welfare are top priorities.

• Are Aquila's safaris ethical?

  Yes. Aquila’s safaris are fully ethical and conservation-driven. The reserve operates under strict wildlife and tourism regulations to ensure the welfare of all animals and the sustainability of the environment.

  Aquila follows a no-touch, no-interaction policy, meaning guests observe wildlife in its natural habitat without interference, feeding, or handling. Every safari is conducted with respect for animal behaviour, allowing the wildlife to remain wild and free-roaming.

  Beyond offering unforgettable safari experiences, Aquila is deeply committed to ethical conservation through initiatives such as ARC (Aquila’s Animal Rescue Centre) and Saving Private Rhino (SPR) – both dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of endangered species.

  By visiting Aquila, guests actively support wildlife conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and sustainable tourism in the Western Cape.