2022
As this is only my second post to Google Connect, I find it fitting to write about something which is very dear to my heart - South African wildlife. According to Wikipedia, South Africa has 299 species of mammals and 858 species of birds.
The big five - consisting of the lion, African elephant, Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, and Leopard - is one of the main attractions to South Africa in terms of its wildlife. The term, Big Five, was originally invented by hunters to describe the five most difficult wild animals to hunt on foot in Africa.
A while back I visited Aquila Safari Private Game Reserve where the big 5 can be found. I decided to write about my visit to Aquila to showcase our amazing wildlife, and one of our game reserves, to the world.
Due to the demand for rhino horn from Asian countries, all rhinoceros are facing the very real possibility of extinction, with the black, Sumatran and Javan rhinos listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.
The Aquila Safari Private Game Reserve is situated about two hours drive from Cape Town in the town, Touws River and is a 4-star establishment in the Southern Karoo. The reserve is a10000 hectare conservancy and is owned by Searl Derman, who bought the land in 1999. The country took note of Searl Derman in 2011 when Absa, one of the rhinos at the reserve, was poached. Everyone who followed the story hoped that Absa would survive, and I am sure that the whole country cried with Searl Derman when he cried bitterly during a radio interview after Absa had died. I know I did!
Here is my link to the video I made about the Rhinos I saw. https://youtu.be/BQht_oHCtSE
We also saw some hippos just laying in the water. In Africa, the Hippopotamus is known as one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun most humans as it can run up to 30 km/h over short distances.
The next day we visited the lion camp. We came very near the lions - definitely to close for comfort, as you can see, as the lion in the photo had a blanket in her mouth, which is normally given to the passengers going on a game drive!
Lions in South Africa are mainly restricted to protected areas. They only occur naturally in the Northern and Eastern parts of South Africa. Females and cubs are always found together for long periods whilst the male lions only stop by periodically. In an average pride, you can expect to find 2 or 3 females and a number of cubs. Males form their own prides and breed whenever possible. Lions can spend up to 20 hours a day resting and are only active during the cooler period of the day. Lions are quite fast and can sprint up to 60km/hr but only for short distances. www.wildlifesouthafrica.com › Blog › MAMMALS OF SOUTH AFRICA
All the lions at Aquila have been rescued from the canned hunting industry, an industry that includes the practice of breeding animals specifically to be hunted and the practice of hunting tame, drugged animals and animals in small enclosures.
There is so much more I can tell you about our amazing wildlife in South Africa and the Aquila Safari Private Game Reserve. Their food was amazing and we have enjoyed their facilities tremendously. Aquila have been mentioned in the "World's 21 favourite things to do in Cape Town," and I can go on and on, but the most important reason I included them in my article, is the fact that they have a heart for animals.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said: The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
