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  • Angry Hippo Chases and Bites Vehicle

    Katherine Gilson with Steve and Richard Teichmann, along with some close friends, were out on an incredible safari trip in Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Little did they know about the wild ride they were about to be in for!

    Their experienced guide, Sandiso, continued with the safari, which brought them to a road that went through a riverbed. They carried on and eventually wrapped around a blind corner to find something very unexpected.

    There was a hippo standing right in the middle of the road, and it was at least 95°F (35°C)! Although hippos feed almost entirely on grass, their skin is very sensitive to the sun, so they eat under the protection of night. Seeing a hippo out during the heat of the day is very unusual!
    To make the situation trickier, the hippo was recognized as one of the larger bulls in the area, known to be on the grumpier side. Sandiso could also tell by the hippo’s behavior that it was in no mood for company!

    So, while everyone was admiring the strange sighting, Sandiso was thinking ahead and started planning a way out. The hippo kept on approaching, and Sandiso knew that he had to put his exit plan into place.

    The first course of action was to reverse slowly. But for the hippo, this wasn’t enough, and the bull broke out into a full-blown charge toward the car. All just a couple of seconds after they had started moving!

    The chase was on, but Sandiso was once again, one step ahead! As the hippo lunged, Sandiso had to hit the gas. Luckily, the route was already mapped out, but Sandiso had to show a downright impressive amount of composure to follow through!

    To make matters more stressful, the vehicle was quickly closing in on a junction! Put simply, they were running out of room to reverse! And the hippo was now right on their bonnet. Sandiso was left with no choice; he had to take the corner, and he did it with incredible precision!

    While navigating the corner, in reverse… The hippo was still chasing! At this point, its mouth was almost covering the tracker seat. Luckily, the seat wasn’t occupied, but the charging hippo was still way too close for comfort! Amazingly, Sandiso still managed to keep the vehicle swinging out of harm’s way.

    It seemed that even the hippo was surprised by the ranger’s driving skills, and it stopped dead in its tracks. The hippo then watched as the vehicle slowly continued reversing, as if the grumpy bull was too stunned to continue charging.

    The reaction from everyone in the vehicle in the aftermath said it all: a brief moment of silence, followed by lots of nervous giggles and a very quiet Sandiso in the driver’s seat. It’s safe to say that no one there will ever be forgetting this encounter.

    Thanks to experience and composure, everything ended in what probably is the best way possible. The hippo moved on safely, the vehicle was unharmed, and most importantly, everyone in the vehicle was completely alright.

    At a time when many of us will be traveling to the bush for our end-of-year holidays, this serves as a reminder of just how cautious we need to be. The wild is truly wild!

  • Ranger Regrets Laughing at Rhino When it Charges Him

    Tervin Mdluli is a long-time safari professional, and on a dry morning, he knew exactly what to do to find the big game for his guests. However, what they were about to see was more than what Tervin could have bargained for.
    Tervin explains: “We hadn’t had any rain for a while, but it was still a stunning morning in Greater Kruger. Because it was so dry, I focused on the few waterholes that still had water, and we found some fresh elephant tracks on the way.”

    “Lo and behold, the elephants were there when we arrived at the waterhole. Some elephants were still making their way, others were drinking, and some were even inside the waterhole.” It was a stunning sighting, no doubt, but then Tervin noticed something else, between the elephants.
    “There was a big rhino bull making his way in the direction of the herd! Male rhinos are known to be territorial, and they also don’t have the best vision, so we kept our distance as usual. But we were excited to see what was going to happen!”

    “This was a breeding herd of elephants, and there were no big bulls around. However, as it happened, the rhino was walking right toward the young males at the end of the herd. One of the elephants, maybe in his very early twenties, stood up to the challenge…”

    It was a standoff between titans, and the loser would be the first to back down, which didn’t take long for that to happen! It was maybe a few seconds, and the elephant made the “crucial mistake” of stepping back, and that’s when the rhino gained its confidence.

    The rhino charged in, nudging its head up and down, while the elephants panicked and moved back. But that wasn’t enough for the rhino, who continued pushing them away. The elephant that initially challenged had now retreated all the way into the bushes, and yet the rhino still wasn’t satisfied!
    Eventually, the rhino had completely cleared the road of all the elephants, which was very amusing to watch! There were no massive elephants here, but this rhino was still batting way above its weight class, and it was amazing to see.

    However, since the rhino had cleared out all his elephant targets, he decided to turn his attention to the safari vehicle! Everyone was still giggling about the sighting, but those giggles quickly turned into nervous laughter!
    Tervin had always prioritized safety, so they had plenty of room to reverse away. A good reminder for all of us who visit the bush to do the same. Once the rhino cooled off, Tervin could finally process what he had just seen, a sighting he will no doubt, remember forever!

  • Squirrel Shows Leopard Who’s Boss

    Piet Van Wyk is the head ranger at MalaMala Private Game Reserve, he was on safari when he spotted the daughter of a well-known leopardess in a tree, but he didn’t spot the squirrel that would soon be annoying her!

    This leopard is quickly growing to be as loved as her mother, the Sibuye female, and everyone was excited when they found her in an Apple-Leaf Tree. They hadn’t been at the sighting long when something caught the curious cat’s attention.

    Turns out, the young leopard was sharing a tree with a squirrel all along! As soon as the leopard realized, it triggered something and the fun and games began.

    Being about 100 times smaller, it would be safe to assume that the squirrel would make a dash for it, but no! Not this squirrel, it wanted to have some fun first! It waited for the leopard at the bottom of the trunk, and as soon as the leopard came near, the squirrel shot back up the tree!

    Up and down, and around they went. It was like this squirrel had something to prove, or maybe just the heart of a lion! At one point, the leopard was so confused that it completely lost the squirrel, who was dead still, right in front of her face.

    Then, with a slight movement, the leopard found it again, and the games were back on! The squirrel had the poor leopard running from the tip of the tree all the way to the ground again, but each time, it never gave up!

    This lasted for about five minutes, and eventually, it was the squirrel that darted into the bushes. Maybe it became too tired or just had enough of messing around. The leopard was still determined and ran after it into the bushes, but never ended up catching it.

  • Welcome to Snake Island | Brazil

    Welcome to Snake Island: A Brazilian Paradise You Can’t Visit
    Imagine a tropical island paradise, shrouded in mist, teeming with lush rainforest, and ringed by pristine beaches. Sounds idyllic, right? Now imagine that paradise is inhabited by an estimated 2,000-4,000 golden lancehead vipers, making it one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Welcome to Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island, a Brazilian island so perilous that the Brazilian Navy prohibits anyone from landing there.

    Located about 90 miles off the coast of São Paulo, Snake Island isn’t a mythical creature of legend. It’s a very real place with a fascinating, albeit chilling, history and ecology. Separated from the mainland thousands of years ago, the island’s snake population thrived and adapted in isolation. With no natural land-based predators, the golden lancehead, a highly venomous pit viper, became the dominant species.

    The Golden Lancehead: Evolution’s Masterpiece of Fear

    The golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) is truly unique. Its venom is estimated to be five times more potent than that of its mainland relatives, capable of causing rapid tissue necrosis, internal bleeding, and even death. This potent venom is believed to be an adaptation to hunting birds, the snakes’ primary food source on the island.

    The island’s name comes from the shape of the snake’s head, resembling a lance blade. But it’s not just their venom that’s terrifying. Their sheer abundance is staggering. Experts estimate that there can be anywhere from one to five snakes per square meter in certain areas on the island. Stepping off the boat would be a literal gamble with your life.

    A History Enshrouded in Mystery and Tragedy

    Unsurprisingly, Snake Island has attracted explorers and treasure hunters over the centuries, lured by tales of hidden gold. However, the island’s deadly inhabitants have thwarted most attempts, often with fatal consequences. Local legends abound, including stories of entire families being wiped out by snakes after venturing onto the island.

    One particularly chilling tale recounts the fate of a lighthouse keeper and his family stationed on the island in the early 20th century. According to the story, the snakes managed to enter their residence through the windows, leading to their gruesome demise. This incident likely contributed to the automation of the lighthouse, which now operates remotely and is monitored by the Brazilian Navy.

    Why is it Off-Limits?

    The Brazilian government strictly controls access to Snake Island for several reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, is the inherent danger posed by the venomous snake population. Protecting human life is paramount. Secondly, and equally important, is the conservation of the critically endangered golden lancehead. Their population is dwindling due to habitat loss and potential poaching, making the island a crucial refuge for their survival.

    The Island’s Scientific Significance

    Despite its dangers, Snake Island holds immense scientific value. The island provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study the evolution of venom, adaptation to isolated environments, and the complex interactions within a unique ecosystem. Scientists with special permits occasionally visit the island to conduct research, carefully navigating the treacherous terrain and handling the snakes with extreme caution.

    A Modern-Day Warning

    Snake Island serves as a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the importance of respecting the boundaries of the wild. It’s a testament to evolution’s potential to create creatures both beautiful and terrifying. While the island may be a tempting destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers, its lethal inhabitants and the conservation efforts in place ensure that it remains a forbidden paradise, a silent guardian of its golden serpents. So, while you might not be able to add it to your travel bucket list, Snake Island remains a fascinating, cautionary tale, a place best admired from afar, understood through scientific study, and respected for its inherent and perilous beauty.

  • The Anaconda is a Heavyweight of Snakes

  • Wildebeest Walks Right Into Lions

    Luke, was out on safari and managed to track 5 lionesses. Seeing lions is exciting, every time, but better yet, they had them walking right on the sand road. At this point no one (not even the lions) could have predicted what was up the road, heading their way.

    After rounding a slight bend in the road, the lions’ behavior changed. All of them became much more tense and focused. They were onto something, and it was close! Four of the lionesses crouched into a pouncing position, while one of them broke off the road and into the bush.

    The anticipation on the safari vehicle was through the roof. What was heading their way? And then they came… 4 wildebeests, walking blissfully right toward the calculating lionesses. The lions were only a few meters away, but their fur blended so well with the sand road that the wildebeests had no idea.

    The poor wildebeests were walking right into a trap, but even at this point, it wasn’t as clear-cut as most would think. The plan wasn’t to let dinner stroll right into them, no, there was more to it, and danger was closer to the wildebeests than the camera could tell.

    The wildebeests were getting nail-bitingly close, but before they could take another step, something came charging at them from the bushes! It was the lioness who had broken away from her sisters. She had circled through the bush to flank the wildebeests.

    The wildebeests scattered in panic, and the lioness went for the one in front, fleeing toward the bushes on the opposite side. This wasn’t ideal, as the plan was to drive the targets into her sister. So, the lioness had to work extra hard to redirect the wildebeest back to the road, and that’s exactly what she did!

    As soon as it ran back toward the road, the unfortunate wildebeest lost all its chances and was quickly brought down. For the lionesses, it was a lucky opportunity, and they made it count!

  • Lion Cub Learns Why You Don’t Bite on Dad’s Tail

    It happened on the 15th of January near Satara. The camp gates opened at 4:30 am sharp, but Chris overslept a bit and ended up leaving just before 5 am. As it turned out, on that particular morning, leaving late may have been a blessing.

    Most of the safari-goers had left the camp as soon as the gates were open. However, it was still quite dark at half past four in the morning, so nearly everyone missed the lion sighting just outside the camp.

    Chris left only a few minutes later, but there was noticeably more light at that time, and with Chris’ keen eye for sightings, he easily spotted the famous white lion, Casper with his pride. Chris arrived alongside another vehicle, and they both turned off their engines to quietly enjoy the moment.
    Finding lions first thing in the morning is a dream for anyone visiting Kruger. And with three playful cubs around, things were only bound to get even better for Chris. Of the three cubs, one was male, and the other two were female.

    It was the bigger female cub who was looking to cause the most trouble this morning. She was jumping around on mom, and just being the cutest menace possible. But when her attention shifted onto Casper, her dad, well that’s when the highlight of the sighting began to take shape.
    The big white puffball at the end of Casper’s tail was too much of a temptation for the little lioness. So, the cub ran right up to her dad, who was now flicking his tail, which made it even more irresistible.

    The cub initially grabbed the tail gently, which was enough to get her sleeping father’s attention. It was clearly not Casper’s first rodeo; he knew exactly what was happening and let out a few warning growls!

    The cub seemed to take notice of the growls, even pulling back slightly. But as she retreated, the end of Casper’s tail just happened to fall in the perfect snapping position for the cub…
    It was now the experience of getting into trouble vs instinct, and being a little lioness, it took the cub all but a split second to choose instinct. The cub chomped right her dad’s tail and made a quick dash for it!

    Casper reacted immediately, springing up with a growl. However, the cub had already put her exit strategy into place, so there was no chance of catching her. Once he was sure the little rascal was gone, Casper flopped back down to relax again.

    Chris couldn’t believe his luck. A few extra minutes of sleep rewarded him with one of the cutest wildlife moments. The only problem now was that it would be almost impossible to top this sighting for the rest of the trip!

  • This iguana is a freaking survivor (snakes)

    This Iguana is a Freaking Survivor: A Tale of Resilience and Reptilian Grit
    We’ve all heard stories of incredible survival against the odds, tales that leave us in awe of the human spirit. But sometimes, the most inspiring stories come from the least expected places, like the scaly, cold-blooded world of reptiles. Today’s hero? An iguana – a freaking survivor, to be exact.

    While details of the specific incident remain shrouded in mystery (iguanas aren’t exactly known for their eloquent press conferences), the sentiment is clear: this particular iguana has faced adversity and emerged victorious. We’re not talking about a simple shed and a fresh coat of scales either. This is a story of true grit, a display of reptilian resilience that deserves to be celebrated.

    So, what makes this iguana a “freaking survivor”? Was it a narrow escape from the jaws of a hungry predator? A daring trek through treacherous terrain? Perhaps it weathered a devastating hurricane clinging to a swaying palm tree? The possibilities are endless, and the lack of concrete information only fuels our imaginations.

    Imagine this: our iguana, let’s call him Iggy for short, is basking in the sun, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Suddenly, a hawk swoops down, talons extended. Iggy, with lightning-fast reflexes, leaps out of the way, losing a piece of his tail in the process but escaping with his life. He spends weeks recovering from his injuries, learning to navigate his environment with a shorter tail, proving his adaptability and unwavering determination.

    Or picture this: Iggy is caught in a flash flood, swept away by raging currents. He fights against the tide, his powerful legs propelling him forward, clinging desperately to floating debris. After hours of struggle, he finally reaches solid ground, exhausted but alive, a testament to his physical strength and unwavering persistence.

    The beauty of this “freaking survivor” narrative is that it allows us to project our own experiences and struggles onto this humble reptile. We can see in Iggy a reflection of our own battles, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the moments where we refused to give up.

    This iguana’s story, however vague, serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent resilience that exists in all living creatures. It’s a testament to the power of adaptation, the importance of perseverance, and the sheer will to survive.

    So, next time you see an iguana basking in the sun, remember Iggy, the freaking survivor. Remember his unseen struggles and his unwavering spirit. And remember that even in the face of adversity, we too have the potential to be freaking survivors. We just need to tap into our inner iguana and embrace the reptilian grit within.

  • Divers with Giant Anaconda in the Amazon

    The anaconda, the largest snake in the world, lives in the Amazon River Basin and other parts of South America. A very adept swimmer, it hunts its meals in the water using the cover of tangled roots to sneak up on its prey.

    It wraps its long, powerful body around its victim and either crushes it or suffocates it to death. In this short film, Ocean Adventures team members Celine Cousteau and Richard Murphy get up close and personal with this legend, in the two-hour program, Return to the Amazon, part of the series Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures, shown on PBS.

  • Leopard Stalks Civet in the Middle of the Road

    Leopard vs. Civet: A Standoff on the Asphalt Stage

    Nature documentaries often transport us to remote corners of the world, filled with dramatic hunts and close calls. But sometimes, the drama unfolds closer to human civilization than we expect. Imagine a leopard, a master of ambush, face to face with a civet, a creature known for its agility, right in the middle of the road! That’s the scene that’s been captivating wildlife enthusiasts recently, and it’s a powerful reminder of the wild world that exists, often unseen, just beyond our periphery.

    While precise details of this particular encounter are undoubtedly captivating, the very concept of a leopard stalking a civet on a road highlights a fascinating interplay of predator-prey relationships, adaptation, and the increasing encroachment of human presence on natural habitats.

    The Leopard: Apex Predator, Urban Adaptor

    Leopards are incredibly adaptable felines, thriving in diverse environments from rainforests to savannas and even, more surprisingly, in areas close to human settlements. This adaptability is what allows them to survive as human populations expand and fragment their traditional hunting grounds. Roads, unfortunately, become part of this transformed landscape. They can provide corridors for movement, but also introduce dangers like traffic.

    As apex predators, leopards are opportunistic hunters, and a civet, while not their primary prey, represents a viable meal opportunity. Their hunting strategy typically involves stealth and surprise – a method that could easily be employed by the side of a road, using the roadside vegetation as cover.

    The Civet: Agile Survivor, Nocturnal Navigator

    Civets, often mistaken for cats, are actually more closely related to mongooses. These nocturnal, cat-sized mammals are known for their agility and adaptability. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, insects, small mammals, and even carrion.

    While not a direct match for a leopard in terms of power, civets possess a cunning and agility that allows them to evade predators. Their nocturnal habits often lead them to cross roads in search of food or mates, putting them at risk of encounters like the one described.