In an exciting development for Kingswood Golf Estate in George, a rare black springbok was born, marking a first for the estate.
While visitors to the popular Garden Route golf course are familiar with the sight of springbok grazing along the fairways, this new arrival stands out in a remarkable way.
A Unique New Addition
The estate is home to around 45 springbok that freely roam the grounds, but never before had a black springbok been born there.
This week, that all changed with the birth of what the estate is calling a ‘one in a million’ springbok.
According to Dan de Wet, Kingswood’s Community Manager, the newborn is believed to be a ram.
De Wet also mentioned that he is familiar with the parents of this rare calf, whose coloring is a result of a genetic mutation.
Why Black Springbok Are So Rare
Springbok with black coats are incredibly uncommon due to a rare genetic mutation.
While there’s no definitive count of how many exist in the wild, they are far less common than their traditional brown and white counterparts, which are frequently seen throughout South Africa.
This makes the birth of the black springbok at Kingswood a significant and exciting event for the estate.
Suggestions for a Name
The news sparked a lot of excitement online, and the estate’s social media pages were flooded with suggestions for what to name the newborn.
The overwhelming favorite? ‘Siya’—a nod to Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first black Springbok rugby captain.
Fans of the estate were quick to make the connection between the rare black springbok and the trailblazing rugby legend.
What’s Next?
As the young springbok grows, visitors to Kingswood Golf Estate will have the rare chance to catch a glimpse of this unique animal.
Whether the name ‘Siya’ sticks or not, one thing is certain—the black springbok has already made its mark as a special part of the estate’s wildlife family.