Nestled in the heart of the Free State, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

However, the park is also taking significant strides in preserving a crucial yet endangered species, the vulture. South African National Parks (SANParks) officials have emphasised the importance of conservation efforts.

"Golden Gate is also a place of conservation. It is not only a scenic place to be enjoyed visually by tourists, but it's also a breeding ground for endangered vultures,” said an environmental expert from SanParks, who did not have the authority to speak to the media.

Vultures play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and their decline could have severe consequences.

"Vultures are often called the environmental cleaners because they clean carcasses of dead animals, including those that would have been killed by poison," he explained.

The park is home to a few breeding pairs of vultures, which are highly vulnerable due to various threats, including poaching for muti (medicinal) purposes.

He stressed that preserving these vultures is a massive priority.

"Fundamentally, in the ecosystem, the system needs to be healthy... so if there is a balance of the ecosystem, we could not have things like the environmental problems that we are seeing."

The official’s passion for environmental education and conservation is evident.

"For me, as a person interested in environmental education and conservation for future generations, I always think of my great-grandchildren, whether they will get the chance that I get right now from what we see in nature,” he said.

“Golden Gate Highlands National Park is committed to protecting these majestic birds and their habitats. The park's efforts are crucial in ensuring the long-term survival of vultures and maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

“We also have a vulture restaurant that is an intervention to make sure that the population that is left is not eventually extinct,” he added.

The vulture restaurant is a demarcated area where animal carcasses are displayed for the vultures to enjoy as part of efforts to preserve the species.

In addition to its conservation efforts, the park is also revamping its tourism sector, which has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.