Nurturing Conservation through Collaboration and Curiosity

Meet Lee-Anne Sonnekus

The Conservation and Research Centre at Royal Malewane brings together academics, Field Guides, and nature enthusiasts. Lee-Anne Sonnekus, Centre Co-ordinator, says this unique facility bridges the gap between research and hands-on conservation while creating valuable learning opportunities for staff and guests.

Lee-Anne Sonnekus always loved family visits to the Kruger National Park as a child, so it was only fitting that she has ended up in a position that promotes conservation and collaboration.

She has a long history with Royal Malewane, going back to 2013 when she started as a receptionist, working her way through reservations to the position of Front Office Manager. After the pandemic, she was offered the opportunity to manage the new Conservation and Research Centre, and she jumped at the chance.

A Meeting Place for Conservation Minds

Since opening in July 2023, the centre has become a hub for conservation education and research.

“We do monthly talks for guides and trackers on the reserve covering different conservation topics in the area,” Lee-Anne says. “We also invite guests to attend – it gives them an inside view into conservation and the different projects that are taking place in real-time.”

APNR (Associated Private Nature Reserves) presenting their work on artificial nests designed to support the conservation efforts of Ground-Hornbills

Monthly talks are held in the Nature Lounge. Lee-Anne observes that research findings typically appear in academic sources that conservation teams can’t easily access.

She says, “These presentations make it easier for researchers to share knowledge with guides, which helps them pass this knowledge on to our guests. Having these face-to-face conversations allows for direct interaction; the feedback from the guides who attended the talks has been very positive.”
The talks are not just for Royal Malewane’s guiding team but are open to all guides and trackers from the wider region and from neighbouring properties to ensure the knowledge is shared with everyone who might need it.

From the eyesight of dung beetles to the nocturnal manoeuvres of bats and the nests of ground hornbills, the presentations inspire conversations and collaborations that extend beyond the room.

Lee-Anne says, “One of our most successful talks was about dung beetles, presented by a local optometrist. He created an incredible presentation explaining different types of eyes and what colours animals see in, particularly focusing on dung beetles. We also had an excellent presentation on bats from a representative of Rewild NPC in Phalaborwa.”

A dung beetle diligently rolling dung, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling and ecosystem health

Wildlife Research in Residence

The Conservation Centre has five rooms that can accommodate up to nine people and has hosted an impressive roster of conservation organisations, including the Ground Hornbill Research Group, GKEPF, Panthera Wild Cat Conservation NPC, Ingwe Research Programme and universities including Nelson Mandela Bay and Pretoria.

The Nature Lounge features fascinating items from the bush, making it a popular coffee stop for guests during morning game drives.

“We’re also collecting items for display in the Nature Lounge, including animal skulls like rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and lions,” says Lee-Anne. “We’ve found a company that makes 3D-printed skull replicas, which we’re testing with a leopard skull. These replicas would allow us to demonstrate features like jaw movement without risking damage to real specimens.”

There are multiple books on display by local and international conservationists and wildlife photographers.

Left: The skull of a black rhino; Right: Educational artifacts on display in the Nature Lounge

Joining Forces for Nature

The main goal for the future of the Royal Malewane Conservation Research Centre is to connect people with shared interests and facilitate their collaboration on joint projects.

“We had Birdlife, the Ground Hornbill Project, and two vulture researchers staying with us in March. Through their interactions, they discovered they all faced one common issue: lead poisoning. This informal networking allows people to share what has worked for them and potentially collaborate on solutions,” says Lee-Anne.

Left: BirdLife SA researchers attaching a satellite GPS to a European Roller to track its migration; Right: Children from Sihlekisi Primary School attending the “Lessons in Conservation” workshop

The centre’s impact extends beyond professional researchers. “In October (2024), we ran a pilot programme called ‘Lessons in Conservation,'” Lee-Anne shares. This two-day workshop for the children at Sihlekisi Primary School proved so successful that it will expand to include all grade sevens next year.

“What I love most about my job is the abundance of knowledge I’m gaining,” Lee-Anne reflects. “It’s completely new and out of my comfort zone, but I’m meeting many interesting people and learning through building relationships with them.”

Her time at the centre has taught her valuable lessons. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that everything in the ecosystem is relevant and has a purpose. Without one component, the whole system can collapse.”

This understanding becomes especially crucial in the face of the planet’s challenges. The centre is already hosting researchers studying climate change’s effects on wildlife and biodiversity, contributing to our understanding of these pressing environmental issues.

Conservation & Research Centre Information:

The Centre is located approximately 10-15 minutes from Waterside and 30-45 minutes from Malewane and Farmstead. Guests can visit during specially arranged coffee stops or participate in conservation talks tailored to their interests. The facility continues to expand its collection of educational materials, including various animal skulls and replicas for hands-on learning experiences.

For enquiries or more information, please contact: [email protected]