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my highlights february 2014

on Feb 27, 2014

That time has come again, a chance for me to review my cycle and its highlights. I really enjoy doing these types of blogs as it gives me a great opportunity to relive my cycle. Every time I do a highlights blog I am reminded of the same thing - I have the best job in the world!

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We have once again had some amazing lion interactions of late, especially with the brief association of the Kruger male and Solo on a buffalo kill. It just proves that you can never predict what happens on the African plains especially with these gregarious cats. This elation and excitement was short-lived and turned swiftly into apprehension with Solo being attacked and seriously injured. I have not seen him since I took this picture and I am genuinely concerned that this may be the last time I see this wonderful specimen of a lion.

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With some sadness comes great joy and this has been in the form of the Southern Pride cubs who have shown no effect of the turmoil going on around them and have given countless guests the warm fuzzy feeling - everybody loves animal babies!

Marula season has been great with lots of elephants hanging around because of these juicy little fruits, especially at Earth Lodge. I had an occasion where myself and some guests came across a big bull elephant on our way back from dinner. I am sure this won’t be the last time this happens!

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My best sighting however had to be with the intriguing wild dogs. We had a pack of 12 dogs on our property and I had the benefit of spending approximately and hour and forty five minutes with them. Keeping up with these highly mobile individuals can be extremely difficult, especially when they are hunting but fortunately this lot decided to move along the roads making it easier to keep up with them.

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The first part of the action started when a breeding herd of elephants came across their path. The curiosity was too much for the younger members of the pack who thought a couple of 500kg elephant youngsters were fair game. These young elephants, the self-proclaimed protectors of the rest of the herd, with lots of noise, a charge and lots of dust later, saw off the irritating dogs.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, with the magnificent sun setting, a leopardess decided to add to our pleasures. Fortunately she remained undetected to the pack and she slinked off into the bushveld.

Sadly as the sun sets on yet another great cycle in the bush, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be in such a special part of the world and get to live my life with these wonderful creatures. As much as I am looking forward to some time off, I can’t help but wonder what incredible sightings I will witness next cycle.

  • BY: TERRY ENNEVER (EARTH LODGE RANGER)
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