The good run didn’t last.
This evening we had to put down Split and the un-named BB pup. Neither of them were really showing typical rabies symptoms but both we very emaciated and kept falling over having already been in the advanced stages of rabies. They wouldn’t have lasted the night.
There is the slightest bit of good news and that is the pack killed again this evening. Whisky is being quite the provider. Stitch and Whisky fed really well with huge stomachs but all 3 the other dogs, although trying to feed, their stomachs weren’t showing any signs.
Brownie is probably on his way out too, but was still fairly strong.
When they were on their kill a lone hyaena arrived. Brownie went up to it, it didn’t back off, and then proceeded to bite it hard several times on the backside. It couldn’t believe what was happening. This attack from Brownie is a little concerning as he could be passing on his rabies to the hyaena.
So I’ll be keeping close tabs on Brownie tomorrow.
I had a wonderful time earlier in the day with the elephant herds at Chekwa pan. (Mandlovu and her herd weren’t amongst the visitors) They were drinking and wallowing for several hours and completely surrounded me totally unconcerned.
Mama-Notch spent nearly an hour standing right next to my car (about 2m away) waiting her turn to go and drink. She’s amazing. Just doesn’t show any fear for me or my vehicle. But she’s never tried touch the car like One-Tusk.
I also had a young bull come and stand next to my door just waiting too.
It’s really great that I can always rely on the elephant to provide me with relief from the harsh life that the bush sometimes dishes out.
So much business going on lol!! What sad, bleak, deprived lives most elephants in captivity lead.
Elephants in Heaven is a pure joy to watch especially after seeing the suffering of the wild dogs. Thank you Kim.
So many youngsters in that clan! Such a relief for other harsh realities. Thank you for wonderful film!
Uh oh, sounds like Brownie’s gone a little mad. That’s some seriously risky behaviour.
I’m sorry to hear about Split and the unnamed pup having to be put down. I’m also sorry that the decision to put them down falls on those most eager to see these animals survive and thrive.
Also, that name - One-Tusk; that name sounds so familiar. Without Googling, let me see if I’ve got the right elephant.
I want to say that One-Tusk was a former matriarch that was found by her herd during an exceedingly long trek to water during a brutal drought a few years ago. Upon finding her, I remember the entire herd gently caressed and studied her remains. After a while, they all surrounded her skull, face out in a defensive gathering, and they began rumbling at a low frequency for quite a long while. It was as if they were sending a message to every living thing within miles and miles, “This is hallowed ground.”
It was such a complex social ritual, marking the grave site of a family member, and it wasn’t entirely benign either. It made me wonder if her bleached bones told more than just the story of her life because, unless seeing that scene unfold on film dramatically changed the character of that ritual, it certainly looked as much like a kind of warning as much as it looked like what humans think of as mourning.
In my mind’s eye, I see the blonde woman who documented the lioness Kamunyak’s painful attempts to adopt oryx associated with One-Tusk’s story. I regret to say that I’m blanking on her name; that’s embarrassing because she’s another terrific wildlife documentarian. But I think this woman featured footage of One-Tusk in camp during another documentary that discussed elephant vocalizations.
One of these days, my enthusiasm for wildlife relent enough to allow me to make simple comments on your fascinating entries. Until then, I apologize for the winded commentary.
You all are champions out there. Take care of yourselves.
Kimberley: I think the presenter you’re talking about is Saba Douglas-Hamilton.
Kim,
Yes, thank you.
Saba Douglas-Hamilton is her name; I was sure that it was she in the voice over proclaiming at the scene, “It’s One-Tusk.” I can’t verify it though.
Hi everyone, - came upon your blog unintentionally whilst looking across the net this afternoon, and delighted that I did! I like the page layout and different shades, but I have to mention that I’m having problems when it loads. I’m using Classilla 9 web browser for mac, and the footer fails to line up well. i am pretty sure applied a matching design on a client’s web-site, but the menu seems O.k on mine. I suspect the problem is at this end and I’m guessing it’s about time to update!