Hippo are likely to cause more deaths to humans than any other land animal. They are unpredictable and can move with surprising speed and agility. The river bull controls a pod of hippo and will aggressively defend this against other bulls. As large as they are they are sensitive to direct sunlight and require water to cover their bodies during hot days. Hippo will forage out the water and wonder about at night during the coolness to eat.  They can consume as much as 45 Kg of vegetation . Hippo can hold their breath for about 5 minutes. Hippo teeth never stop growing

Grazing

Wild dogs are beautiful creatures. Family bonding, constant reassurance make for one of the most tightly knit family/social groups in the wild. Wild dogs need a wide area to hunt. They are extremely persistent and will drive a single animal for many kilometers if necessary. They eat quickly, normally starting in the stomach area of their kill, as its relatively soft and the stomach area is rich in protein and nutrients. These animals are on the endangered list and are very difficult to see in dense bush.

Tembe Elephant Park has just received four male Wild dogs. Two female dogs will be placed with them  to complete the pack. The animals are still in the boma and soon will be released into the magnificent Tembe Elephant Park reserve.

Resting in the shade

Mfezi – mention this is Zululand in the north eastern parts of South Africa and heads will turn. The word is a Zulu name for the Mozambique spitting cobra. It is a large snake and can be the thickness of a man’s wrist. Its easily habituated, this is where the trouble lies. It is found amongst people and normally in dense bush areas. The snake often will enter a native home and lie under the blankets for warmth. When an infant or other is placed in bed they are often bitten multiple times. Large doses of venom are induced decreasing the likelihood of survival. The snake will often feign death by placing its head on the ground or amongst its coils. The picture below is typical of this, this snake has lifted its head to see what is going on.

They can spray a poison into the eyes of their prey and into a humans eyes with surprising accuracy. The snake will just lift its lips and spray unlike that of the standard cobras that stand up and hood. This does not cause death but imobilises the prey as it causes temporary blindness.

A beautiful snake, with a copper/bronze colour and moves with confidence

Mfezi - a dangerous snake