Today’s office got the better of me too!
I was up flying for 2hrs this morning and another 2hrs this afternoon. It all wouldn’t have been too bad if the conditions were calm. But I wasn’t that lucky. The morning was windy and the afternoon was bumpy with all the thermals. And the truth be told, I don’t fly very well and it doesn’t take much to make me feel absolutely awful. I’ve never been sick in the air but damn it’s often so close. And the worst is it takes me about a whole day to recover after such a flight. Thankfully I was flying myself, cos when I’m being flown it’s even worse.
First task of the day was to pick up on the wild dogs. They were all together again, well fed and still resting when I arrived. But soon the pups were active, just having to say hello. Then they amused themselves eating impala faecal ‘berries’. Yummy!
(Actually I knew someone who used to eat them.) Then it was chewing on tree stumps before they marched off after mom and dad. When I did again catch up with them they were at the scene of the kill dad had made last night. But all they found was a piece of the stomach. No doubt hyaenas had cleaned it up in the night.
As the dogs were all well fed, I’m pretty sure Puzzles must have killed successfully last night.
I left them milling around the area and headed off to fly. They wanted me to help locate elephants as well as some 2yr old rhino calves that need ear notching.
Unfortunately the elephants were all in the hills making capture impossible. But a large part of the herd was missing and we just didn’t find them. So tomorrow at dawn I’ll be up extra early checking out the west for the herds.
So sorry, upset stomachs caused by anything are the worst. Have you tried any motion sickness pills? (Thought I’d ask first, then the others won’t have to.) Gosh, Kim, this is the first time you’ve told us about this. And the lag time, too…most certainly not “things to amuse!”
Goodness, had indeed forgotten Mandlovu is Chips mother.
The pups have grown into a handsome lot. I thought they were going to mainly resemble dad, but they have much more white and brown. No one as flashy as mom, though.
Have you heard anymore about Nduna since the snare scare? Did that pride have a successful cub season so far?
b.
So much Impala dung in one little place !!
Im surprised they’re eating it, I can only imagine what it tastes like.
I dont know if you will admit to ever trying it yourself Kim ?
I often wonder , …. do you just sit back at a distance and observe , or do you ever actually call/play/mingle with the dogs ?
And why do they never assume you to be a possible dinner for them ? Are humans strictly off the menu for wild dogs ?
Thanks for todays video , its a particularly nice one !
haven’t seen Nduna but apparently he’s just fine. That pride are well but no new cubs there for nearly a year.
i have had dung spitting competitions with my daughters using impala dung. when it’s dry it has no real taste, but DON’T suck them like a lozenge unless you want the REAL taste!
still just watching the dogs. over time i plan to go jogging with them on the hunt. i’m sure it will be possible and 100% safe.
Wild dogs have never been known to attack an human. Why?????……. Best to ask them. i really don’t know.
I’ve seen film of researchers in Alaska checking out wolf pups in dens - after spending 3/4 months filming. The mother actually welcomed them in…amazing. I dont think you would have a problem, as long as you weren’t a threat, and didn’t interfere too much……but you would be in a better position to judge than me, Kim.