Rare White Elephant

An amazing sighting of a big herd of elephant chasing away 5 lions became even more amazing when, out of the herd, emerged a white elephant. This term is refers to an albino (no pigment) or leucistic (lack of pigment) elephant. Even thought they are not truly white, the lack of pigment can be clearly seen in the pink skin all over his body. The legs were pinkish, as well as the trunk, around its mouth and eyes, and behind its ears. Its hair, especially eyelashes and tail hair, were blond. I don’t know of many records found in the Kruger Park of white elephants, most of them being of young animals. This could be due to fact that they tend to darken as they age, and older elephants cover themselves with mud to keep the sun off their sensitive skin. This particular individual I would estimate to between 15 and 20 years old and appeared to be a male. It was seen near the Mavumbye watering hole on the S90, north of Satara. Even now, I am sure that this would remain one of the highlights of the year.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3815 (20090131) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com

Every dog has its day!

Wild Dogs are a real rarity in the Kruger Park. People can spend a lifetime coming to the park without seeing Wild Dogs. Last year I’ve only managed to see them three times, the entire year. Not surprising, considering that they are the second-most endangered carnivore (next to the Ethiopian Wolf) in Africa. There are only three genetically viable populations left in the world, and one of them is in the Kruger Park. What a surprise it was, therefore, when we encountered four dogs on the side of the road only a few kilometers from camp. Great was the excitement, but it couldn’t prepare us for the rest of the day. Later that morning it started to drizzle, and hope dwindled on seeing something that would top the four dogs. But something did. This time, 8 dogs were huddled up together, looking quite miserable. There were a few youngsters among them. Amazing! Great was our surprise when on the afternoon drive we encountered a few more dogs trotting down the road right past our vehicle. I’ve managed to see as many dogs in one day as in the entire previous year. It’s true that every dog has its day, and it was this day.

 

Simon Vegter

 

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3800 (20090126) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com

It's raining cats and dogs!

On a wet morning I normally don’t expect to see much. This morning it was quite literally raining cats and dogs. The heavy rain didn’t stop 5 lions from an opportunistic kill. They were initially lying on the road, and then as the rain increased, moved off into the bush. At first they noticed some zebra in the distance. A slow approach eventually lead to a chase, but unfortunately (for the lions, and us) no kill was made. However, in the confusion of it all, a herd of impala scattered in all directions. One unfortunate lamb made it right into the jaws of one of the lions. It was a quick snack for the lions as the McDonalds of the bush did its job. On the way back to camp luck and timing was on our side again as 4 wild dogs came trotting down the road. The downpour became heavier and the dogs tried to shelter under a bush. After a while they decided to continue and eventually disappeared into the bush. If this is what the summer rains are going to provide, bring it on!

 

Simon Vegter

 

 

__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3756 (20090110) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com