Bouncing Babies, Big Bull Battles and Brotherly Bonds: June at Umzolozolo
As I write the first official report for winter, the brrrrrrrrr-effect is front and centre. Many mornings have started below zero and frost covers the grasses and the dung! To counteract the colder conditions, we have a few warm treats up our sleeves. Despite the frosty atmosphere, game viewing has been fantastic!
Considering the season we are in, there certainly are many more young baby beasts bouncing around the reserve than one would expect. We have a few rhino calves with their wrinkly armour, a hippo calf that playfully interacts with other youngsters or its mum, two fluffy cheetah cubs that are exploring with energy and keeping mom on her toes, buffalo calves marching along in the herds with their big boots on and even a giraffe calf was born recently!
Field Guide Mark and I visited a sighting of the elephant herd this month where we observed a few of the younger bulls pushing and shoving one another to hone their skills. We have all viewed the tussles between giraffe bulls as they improve their swings. I had the unique privilege of watching two black rhino bulls locked in a face-off that was likely over a female. Neither wanted to relinquish their position and we eventually left them to sort it out without an audience. Fights between younger bulls are preparation for the main event when they become dominant, or look to establish dominance. The practice bouts are a vital aspect of their future success.
It has to be said that our spotted cats have taken centre stage this month. Whether it’s the oldest female cheetah stalking blue wildebeest, the youngest female navigating motherhood, or our coalition of two brothers, sightings have been quite phenomenal. Field Guide Promise and I had a very special morning with the newest additions. They were following the mom along the road and actually ended up approaching my vehicle and coming quite close. The two cheetah brothers have been visiting our oldest female quite often this month. She has not been very receptive to their advances and hisses whenever they get too close.
We have had some interesting experiences this month. Promise, Siya and I spent some time in the field with student vets from the US. It was an excellent opportunity to see a different aspect of game reserve management. We participated at times and observed at other times. I am quite sure that we gained invaluable experience while working alongside reserve management, the anti-poaching team, a helicopter pilot, wildlife vets and student vets. I am also pleased to announce that I successfully completed my practical assessment to obtain the NQF 4 Nature Site Guide qualification. Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement!
Around the reserve we are seeing an increase in the burning of fire breaks. The charred sections are already attracting birds and mammals alike. We have observed Pied Crows, Temminck’s Courser and Lanner Falcon foraging in the areas alongside zebra, square-lipped rhinos and warthogs. Within the next few weeks, our block burns will begin as we prepare for the fire season.
If you are visiting us during the month of July, I encourage warm clothing with an emphasis on protection for your face, hands and feet. It is freezing in the mornings!
Hope to see you soon! Stay warm!
Head Guide Noleen Turner