SKUKUZA (South Africa), May 31 — South Africa’s Kruger National Park on Friday evening marked its 100th anniversary with a centenary celebration at Skukuza Rest Camp under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future.”

The event, reported Xinhua, brought together more than 100 government officials, community representatives and conservation stakeholders to celebrate the legacy and future of one of Africa’s most renowned protected areas.

Addressing the gathering, the country’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said that Kruger’s first century was built on conservation, scientific research and tourism, while its second century will also include the fourth leg — community participation.

He also expressed hope that future generations would continue to experience the park’s natural wonders, from watching elephants cross the Sabie River to hearing lions roar across the bush at night.

Ahead of the ceremony, Aucamp told Xinhua that international cooperation is important for strengthening conservation efforts in the years ahead.

He said South Africa welcomes support from partners around the world, including China, particularly in areas such as wildlife conservation and technological research.

Established in 1926 under South Africa’s National Parks Act, Kruger is the country’s first national park and one of Africa’s largest protected areas.

Covering nearly 2 million hectares across the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, it is home to more than 300 tree species, and over 140 mammal species and 500 bird species, including the iconic “Big Five,” namely lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. — Bernama-Xinhua