Two buffalo cows were sold for R4,8 million and R4,1 million respectively at the Wildlife Legacy Group’s tenth auction, held at Weesgerus outside Modimolle in Limpopo. These were the highest prices achieved.
By Charl van Rooyen
According to Wildswinkel, who hosted the auction, these results are excellent and the auction clearly confirmed the strength and resilience of the South African wildlife industry. The event was attended by approximately 280 industry participants, while 303 registered bidders reflected the high level of interest in the exceptional genetic material and investment opportunities.
The live auction achieved a turnover of R35,977 million from 121 lots, with an average price of R333 000 per lot, further demonstrating the value the market places on quality game.
The auction started on a high note when a charity lot consisting of a male pied ostrich and a black female was sold for R650 000 in aid of the Amy Bell Foundation. The ostriches were donated by Dr Clifford Bull of Mabonyana Farms and bought by New Wycombe of Marble Hall. This exceptional contribution highlighted the wildlife industry’s willingness to make a meaningful difference beyond the auction arena.
The most expensive buffalo cow, Zsa Zsa, was sold for R4,8 million by New Wycombe to Goats Window at Bonnievale, owned by William Smit. The adult cow comes from an East African bloodline. Her sire is the well-known Matetsi. Her horns measure 40 3/8 inches. She was sold with her heifer calf and is pregnant by Yster, who is also the heifer’s sire.
The second most expensive animal at the auction, the buffalo cow Mitsie with 42-inch horns, was sold for R4,1 million by Buffalo Creek of Thabazimbi to Piet du Toit of Piet du Toit Game Services, Rustenburg. She is also a daughter of Matetsi and was sold with her bull calf, sired by Inala. Mitsie was sold as a potentially pregnant cow.
More high prices
Several game species achieved very good prices. A kudu bull, Rockefeller, with 61 6/8-inch horns, was sold for R2,1 million by New Wycombe. This breeder also sold a Livingstone eland, Napoleon, with 35 7/8-inch horns, for R700 000.
A sable antelope from Romaco was sold for R475 000. Romaco also sold a red hartebeest, Bon Jovi, with 25-inch horns, for R280 000. A dappled impala from Romaco fetched R150 000.
Zonnebloem Wildlife sold a buffalo cow, Queen, for R1,15 million, as well as a roan for R280 000 and two golden wildebeest bulls for R360 000 each.
Other top prices were:
- Saddleback blesbok: female R85 000; ram R100 000
- Cape eland breeding group (5): R30 000 each
- Livingstone eland: cow R240 000; bull R700 000
- Black impala: ewe R80 000; ram R100 000
- Common impala ewe: R40 000
- Dappled impala: ewe R84 000; ram R150 000
- Saddleback impala: ewe R45 000; ram R90 000
- White-flanked impala ram: R190 000
- Kudu cow: R270 000
- Nyala bull: R250 000
- Golden oryx: cow R400 000; bull R300 000
- Red oryx: cow R360 000; bull R150 000
- Ostrich breeding group (4): R8 000 each
The auction consisted of a live auction on 18 July and a timed auction held from 16 to 20 July. The auctioneer at the live auction was Brandon Leer.
Also read:
Genomics adds value at Boshoff Bonsmaras’ production auction
Exceptional prices at Up George Bonsmara auction
R280 000 bull at Moalosi auction – black Bonsmara breeders’ mentorship pays off
