Here be monsters...
It sometimes happens that visitors to Africa get attacked (and often eaten) by the wildlife that we have over here…
This is normally due to inexperience with wild animals and recklessness. A man was killed in one of our nature reserves when he got out of his car to take pictures of a lioness busy giving birth right below a bridge that he was crossing. He probably reasoned that she was 'otherwise engaged' and had to cover a distance of approx 200meters to get to him.
I suppose he was quite suprised to find out that she could easily cover that distance and kill him before he could get back in his vehicle…
This is just one example of what people get up to in wildlife parks in attempts to shorten their holidays.
In short – when out on safari or in a game reserve: do not get out of the car! The tragedy above is definitely not the first of its kind and quite a few would be nature photographers and daredevils have ended up as an easy lunch…
The image used in my First Post is of of a lion that has had a person for lunch before, not far from where I took the picture...
Always listen to your qualified ranger when on a wildlife safari – these people have skills and knowledge that should be respected. Too many guides that I get into contact with have a horror story or two because tourists on their safaris don’t listen, and get into trouble.
A while ago a few tourists from Europe on a walking safari through the Kruger National Park, were attacked by elephants because the ladies would not listen to the guide, and separated from the group to get a closer look at Dumbo… A bit too late they realised that these animals are the real deal and not circus trained! The end result: the game ranger had to shoot a beautiful elephant bull to save irresponsible tourists… They got lucky and escaped with no fatalities that time.
Feeding of wild animals is another serious problem that we have. Too many visitors’ feed (especially baboons and monkeys) wild animals because they’re so cute… Don’t! The problem is that once you start doing this, these animals start to associate humans with food as well as losing their natural fear for us. Next step a troop of baboons spots a little girl with a bag of sweets and I’m sure I don’t have to elaborate on the possible consequences – nobody ever taught these animals how to ask nicely and it’s survival of the fittest out there…
I often get asked how dangerous a baboon can be. Once you look a baboon in the eye from up close and see the size of their fangs and claws, you will never ask such a silly question again. I will personally rather deal with two pit bull terriers than one grown male baboon! The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a good example of this – the baboons have become a huge problem and I personally know a few people that have had bad experiences with the accursed beasts there.
The unfortunate reality is this - once baboons lose their respect for humans, and become a problem, the only solution is to shoot the whole troop... Feeding of wild animals often result in a death sentence for them. (And sometimes also for their 'beneficiaries...')
I had a bad run in with a troop of baboons at Cape Point during Feb this year (luckily there were no casualties, but it was close!) resulting in me not taking any clients there again without a 'negotiating tool' of sorts (I would prefer a large gun, but am busy practising with my high powered slingshot) – safety is the important factor here. I would rather go walking through a reserve with predators etc. than go to Cape Point where humans are targeted relentlessly by these black hearted fiends...
A very entertaining and humoristic book about baboons (a 'must read') is: 'A Primates Memoir: Love death and baboons in East Africa' by Robert M. Sapolsky. Do yourself a favour and get a copy for more insight into the dark souls of these creatures...
OK, so this was a long rendition of the following advice: when in an area where there are wild animals – don’t expose yourself unnecessarily.
Greetings, Ill be back...
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