Such is the life of a wildlife filmmaker, nothing is ever predictable. Some days are full of action and other days are quiet, but the bottom line for me is I’m out there all the time and I just love it. Maybe growing up in the Kruger National Park helped instil this love for the African bush in me. And today I’m lucky to spend all my days out in the wilds capturing images and footage for audiences around the world to enjoy.
Yesterday was a bumper day and so today seemed rather tame in comparison. But working with wild dogs there is always something going on and so much pack politics that one is always entertained.
Today was Floppy’s day. He seemed to have been given the orders that it was his day to lead the pack of BB pups. He was everywhere all the time, and unlike previous days he was first out the den and last back in, that’s if he even bothered to go back into the den. There was too much excitement outside to worry about being holed up for the day.
Floppy was constantly seeking the attention of any adult, only to be rolled over and tormented by it. And when the adult left him he went back for more. He just seems to crave contact with the adults, so much so that he becomes a pest to them and they will suddenly bite him and run off leaving him lying there rather perplexed. But that never got Floppy down and he was always back for more.
If any adult showed any sign of going into a stalk Floppy rushed it and was the first begging frantically always leading “His” pack to meals. Even adults that couldn’t feed were still hassled by Floppy’s constant begging and harassment.
This behaviour was so different to the Floppy we had got to know as he was always so timid being the last to leave the den, first back, always last in line begging and just generally acting out the role of the runt.
But today he changed his status and Floppy the Brave ruled the turf!
Coming back to camp this evening, it was just about dark when we encountered a hyaena on the track. It looked like a male and had no intention of running away. So I got out the vehicle, walked a short distance and sat down. Sure enough it walked over and sniffed my hand, then backed off. I walked further down the path and it followed, like I was taking my dog for a walk.
These animals always fascinate me. I have never seen this hyaena before and yet it trusted me. They are so intelligent that they understand my motives and my body language makes them feel safe.
(Be sure to check out my latest film “Hyena Queen” or “Hyenas at War” (the US version) on National Geographic Channel)
Hyenas at War goes out on National Geographic Channel in the US at the following times:
Saturday, September 2, 2006, at 10PM
Sunday, September 3, 2006, 1AM
Sunday, September 10, 2006, 1PM
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