26/08/2026
One of the most fascinating stories I encountered in South Africa was the Quagga Project.
At Groote Post, I was told about the work being done to recover the distinctive appearance of the quagga — a relative of the plains zebra that was hunted to extinction in the 19th century. Through decades of selective breeding, animals displaying the quagga’s characteristic reduced striping have been re-established and are now cared for across a network of participating farms and reserves.
Seeing them in the landscape is extraordinary. From the front they resemble zebras, but the stripes gradually disappear towards the hindquarters, giving them an almost horse- or donkey-like appearance.
Their story is also a reminder of how easily something can disappear — and of the responsibility we have as custodians when there is still an opportunity to preserve, restore and protect.
Another unexpected lesson from the Cape Winelands: sometimes a wine estate is safeguarding far more than vines.
Biodiversity CapeWinelands WineLux Custodianship
