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May 31, 2009
South Africa -- Safari (Part 3)
It was another early morning, and we had a spectacular sunrise to watch.
I loved the varying layers of mist as the sun came up and warmed up the savannah.
Somehow, I don't think the giraffe were impressed by the sunrise.
This unique looking creature is the Secretary Bird. It has an eagle-like body on crane-like legs. In South Africa, the Secretary Bird, while not the official bird, is featured as a symbol on the national coat of arms, representing vigilance and military might, as well as the rise and pride of modern South Africa.
The slender mongoose.
Although I have no idea what it's sex is, this hippo looks like a female to me. She was startled to see us so close. We were too. Interestingly, the hippo's closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoise, etc.). They are also the third largest terrestrial animal after the elephant and white rhino.
Since they spend most of their time in the water, this is normally all that you can see of the hippo.
Here's a (bird) house with a view.
Pumbaa!!!
Ok, not the most handsome creatures.
Speaking of not the most handsome, this is the Southern Ground-hornbill.
I don't know if it was something in the air, but this elephant didn't like us nearby as well.
What can I say? Zebras walking down the road.
Hey, who's over there??
This zebra was kind enough to strike a pose for me.
They were very cuddly.
These are Peters' Epauletted Fruit Bats. They were hanging out over our head while we had lunch. Although that may not seem sanitary, we didn't have any problem.
I think this is the scariest/meanest looking animal we saw.
A Leopard Tortoise sauntering away from us. Although this one was rather small, they can weigh up to 40kg and 75cm long.
More baboons cleaning each other, at or below the speed limit of course.
That wraps up part three of the safari. Only one to go. The star of that one is the lion. Truly kings of their domain.
So, until then...
--Jim
Posted by jim at May 31, 2009 07:12 AM