With no food yesterday the wild dogs were out extra early this morning and again it seemed as if they would go hungry. But somewhere along the line the male disappeared and nobody saw him go. He killed an impala about a kilometre away, fed and then was back with the pack.
They all did really well, even mom and dad had full tummies. And then it was back to Khayeni for the day.
I got lucky again with lots of elephants to the west of Nduna dam. They had just been to the dam and were heading west. After a short rest under some shady Brachystega trees, some of the few with leaves on at this time of year, they were then in a rush to get to the next water at Lojaan dam.
Amongst them was this teeny weeny little calf. She was only days old and had to really run to keep up. But keep up she did and when she got to the wallow she dove straight in. Already she’d learnt where to get respite from the intense heat. She is just the cutest little thing and making it in a tough world.
Some 50 elephants were at Lojaan dam wallowing and swimming. It sure was a real treat.
When they moved off into the hills I went to check on Manyari as I’d heard lions roaring at dawn near Simbiri dam. And sure enough I got her signal in the hills. Great that they’re still around.
Back to the wild dogs at dusk and the male was chasing an impala. Nobody followed. They were all well fed AND too hot to bother. Instead the pups were up to harassing a herd of wildebeest and then some zebra. They know they can’t hunt them but they do enjoy the game.
Kim,
What an adorable little guy… I was wonderin’ how much it would cost if you were to ship him over here to me in the States? I recently lost a fish and need to fill the void.
Great stuff bud - nice touches with the opening and ending credits.
Goodness, she is the smallest, but quick, wee bundle! I never cease to be amazed and in awe of these immense mothers, so very much aware of their wee babes. She got buffeted a bit by the forward motion of Mom’s leg once, but otherwise, was perfectly safe. Was so cute to see her flare her little ears when that other ellie trumpeted, she stepped back under Mum: “What! Was that!!” Too, too sweet and dear.
Kim, does the heat break with the rainy season, or do you steam in the heat and humidity? And it should start at any time now?
Glad to hear of Manyari. But with the grass soon to be tall again, there won’t be many sitings. Was devastated by the loss of her cubs. How many times will it take for these two young males to realize the cubs are theirs?
b.
There was a juvenile following right on Mom’s heels. Could that have been her last calf? Or just a curious teenager.
I just wanna get one hug of that tiny little thing and my life would be complete !
keegan: baby ellie on the way. keep the bowl full !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bonny: does get a very slight bit cooler with the rains but humidity shoots right up. but the change is magical. think we could get rains anytime now
Lions????? who knows if they ever know those are their cubs?? Some people don’t even know if a child is theirs, how can we expect lions to know?
Eve: yes that was her last calf.
That baby Ele is just TOO cute! Had to watch that one several times!
I don’t know how I missed that Manyari had her cubs and then lost them. If the males indiscriminately kill cubs, how do any of them ever get to grow up!?!? Seems like these males aren’t helping with survival of the species……