A very important realization hit me whilst living
life in Fisi camp: the simple acknowledgement of my species (human beings) physical abilities. Specifically, that we are slightly pathetic compared to others in
the animal kingdom. Minimal claws, size, and running abilities, in addition to poor
endurance in harsh weather (what other animal creates a ridiculous item such as
mittens) should be humbling attributes at the very least. This blog entry is a
testament to this realization. (Warning: the blog contains little scientific
ponderings. You will not learn anything from this post besides perhaps an
appreciation for life.)
Human beings in their natural habitat |
The epiphany of my pitiful existence arrived when Kenna and I were out on morning obs. With the last bit of darkness receding, we watched hyenas to the sounds of the early birds chirping and the insects buzzing. How typical and tranquil. Or so I thought…
We heard a grumbling and growling coming from the bushes and
looked at each other.
“Was that a lion?” I whispered.
“I think so…” she nodded. Then it grew quiet again. The
hyenas seemed unconcerned. “We should probably investigate,” she suggested
starting the car with a cheeky grin.
We stealthily drove towards the bushes, creeping along until
we practically became part of the foliage. At this point, we were both excited
and terrified and she nervously giggled, “It’s kinda like Jurassic Park.”
Suddenly my mind was flooded with images, most of which did not help the
situation.
Luckily, my thoughts of dinosaur acid spit burning my eyes
or a T-Rex crushing me in a public bathroom stall were interrupted by a
magnificent trumpet. An elephant! My mind calmed, I brought out my camera for a
National Geographic quality picture. Kenna, on the other hand, was much wiser.
The elephants begin to emerge from the bushes... |
Kenna and I had been trekking through these bushes less than five minutes before these guys came out. |
However apparently, hyenas are hardly afraid of these
majestic people-crushers as shown by the pictures below. Eventually, the herd
of elephants emerged from the bushes. There were at least 12 of them! But,
the hyenas hardly moved an inch (or a centimeter if you will.) In fact, a few never even woke up from their
morning slumber. Meanwhile I had already begun stress-eating, littering my lap
with ginger snap cookie wrappers. Hey, you can’t be choosy for your last meal.
The hyenas seem relatively calm. |
Penne, a natal male, stares idly into space whilst the herd passes by. |
In conclusion, compared to the elephant or the hyena, we are the weakest link. We may have very active imaginations, creative minds (who needs those?), and opposable thumbs, yet when giant elephants decide to come rampaging through a morning obs session, it’s best if we humans back away quickly.
4 comments:
Reminds me of a very old post on hyenas mothering instincts. Elephants had decided to move through one of the dens and there was a striking picture of one particular hyena standing over her den hole, meters away from the elephants putting herself between them and her cubs.
First time I read it I thought 'what a brave hyena' but perhaps they're just not very afraid of elephants?
I remember that! I think it was in the Mother of the Year contest, and I think it was Waffle and I think she won. But I've had many senior moments since then.
Great post and I love the pictures. Thanks!
P.S. The humans are too cute!
Blog posts 10/6/2010 & 12/4/2010 are about the Mom of the Year contest and elephants and yes, Waffle did win! Check the posts out. Just as an extra added attraction, a post in between those two is about the rampage through camp by hyenas, lions, and one terrified hippo. Damage was done.
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