I had seen the hyaena den from the air a few days ago and headed out there today at first light.
4 young hyaenas were milling around the den. All probably 6 to 7months old. An adult was there too but she soon moved off leaving the youngsters lying around and really not up to much.
With them resting for the rest of the day I went in search of the wild dogs but had no joy in finding any evidence. They travel such vast distances that they could be anywhere right now, although the young pups will definitely be slowing them down.
On the Chiredzi River this big elephant bull was resting in some shade and repeatedly dusted himself. Far more than elephants normally do. Even when he was on the move he kept throwing dust. He’s easily recognisable but a growth about his right tusk, but I don’t know that I’ve seen him before. Anyway I’ve decided to name him ‘Dusty’.
In the woodlands along the Chiredzi River these nyala were picking up seed pods from the Acacia tortilis trees, most having been dropped by baboons feeding.
Banyini was full of giraffe today. Although most of them were scattered across the open area there was this big herd together to the south.
Late afternoon it was back to the hyaena den. The 4 youngsters were in the area and now getting active. Just as the sun was setting one of them went and called at the den entrance. Next 2 younger hyaenas, about 3 months old, popped out a different entrance. This den has 5 different entrances.
For the young cubs, this was probably the first time they’d seen a vehicle in their lives and were rather suspect of me but amazingly the older cubs had little fear and were more than curious. The one cub even chewing on my tyres.
I suspect there are other smaller cubs in the den but they’ll only come out when called by mom.
With the light fading fast and not able to film anymore I called it a day.
Recent Comments