Heartbreaking story of beloved animal…Our friends are leaving today…

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Norman arrived in our garden at 10:30 PM and didn’t leave until midnight, gingerly making his way back over the little fence.

Today, our dear friends Kady and Rich will be leaving Marloth Park at 2:30 pm, when driver Wayland arrives to drive them to the airport in Nelspruit to begin the long journey back to their home in Florida, USA. We certainly understand the rigors of the almost two-day trek with long layovers and uncomfortable flights.

It’s been fantastic having them here with us, with busy days and nights interspersed with an endless stream of wildlife visitors. Their favorite activity was sitting at the table on our veranda, watching the animals come.

Nina, Norman’s mate, seemed worried about him.

The past 24 hours have been a real treat for them and for us, sharing everything with them, which was especially highlighted with a few giraffes visiting so close to the house that they were in total awe, making videos and taking photos of the magnificent animals. It was the first time the giraffes came to call during daylight hours since their arrival 17 days ago.

How serendipitous it was for the giraffes to arrive on their last full day, while the four of us played the card game, Spades, enjoying sundowners on the veranda.

No doubt, with his seriously injured left front leg, he was tentative about leaping back over the fence.

So today, we send them off with love and friendship, along with a plethora of memories they’ll cherish forever, as they’d embarked on their first foray to Africa, surrounded by wildlife and nature they’ve never experienced before. For us to be able to share the wonders of Marloth Park is indescribable.

On another note, the past few days have been harrowing after discovering that our beloved nyala Norman was seriously injured, perhaps breaking his left front leg. The first thing we heard was that euthanasia was indeed a possibility. We were heartbroken. For the past several years, Norman has been a highlight of our time in Marloth Park.

His left front leg is seriously injured.

I found myself giddy each time he arrived in the garden. Quickly, I’d run to the kitchen to cut up apples and carrots for him. Whenever I’ve made salad, I’ve saved a big bowl of vegetable scraps for him, which he loves, particularly the cabbage and lettuce, which are moist and fresh for him.

When Louise heard he’d been seriously injured, perhaps breaking his front left leg, we were devastated, especially when the news floating around the park was that he was to be euthanized. After years of loving this animal, I was beside myself, unable to contain my sorrow.

He was uncertain as to his next move. Wild animals are always on the move by instinct to forage and to avoid potential predators.

Our friends Kady and Rich had already become attached to Norman and his precious family of children and grandchildren. How could this be? Many said, “It’s nature, the way it should be.” But that doesn’t negate the fact that many of us, entrenched in the wonder and beauty of these animals, don’t become attached even when we never have an opportunity to so much as touch them or hold them in our arms.

When he and his family arrived last night, just as we were about to retire for the evening, he suddenly appeared after jumping over the little fence into the garden area where we feed him. Could his leg only be badly sprained if he was able to jump the fence? No one knows for sure since he’d yet to be darted and x-rayed.

Nina and Norman are often affectionate with one another.

When he arrived last night with his family, who stayed for over an hour with his family at his side, we sat out here with him, feeding him a copious amount of apples and carrots. If he stayed well fed, could he possibly survive a six-to-eight-week recovery period? Had he arrived at this late hour to say his final goodbye to the place where he experiences such love and good treats?

We stayed outdoors with him until he finally jumped back over the fence. These wild animals instinctively roam the bush rather than staying in one place. Sure, our resident wildebeest, Hal, and impala, Mac, are here almost all the time, but every so often they wander off for short periods to search for water and possibly other food sources. Mac seldom leaves for more than a few minutes. He lives here.

Nina stayed with him for the majority of the time he was in our garden. The Kids were outside the little fence, watching and waiting for their dad/grandpa.

When Nina and the kids finally left, he made a plan on how he was going to scale the little fence with that injured leg. Watching a nearby Big Daddy, he fluffed up his hair to make himself appear larger. Soon, the Big Daddy took off, and shortly thereafter, Norman did the same.

I didn’t sleep well, thinking of him being euthanized, even to the point of dreaming about him. First thing this morning, after I was showered, dressed, and outdoors, I wrote a text to Deidre at Wild & Free Rehabilitation Centre, who, along with the rangers and Doc Peet, asked her what to expect. Was he going to be euthanized? I held my breath waiting to hear her answer.

Only a moment later, she responded in a voice text, stating that if his health and strength are maintained during the recovery period, he won’t be euthanized. But, it will require a concerted effort by everyone he comes in contact with to help feed him and keep him well-nourished.

It was wonderful having our dear friends Kady and Rich here for 17 days. We will surely miss them.

The park is lacking in food sources for the animals due to months of little to no rain. We will surely do our part to keep Norman well-nourished with the healthy fruits and vegetables we know he loves and are healthy for him to consume. Only time will tell if he can survive the six-to-eight week recovery period. We’ll keep you informed.

Tonight is Quiz Night. Around 4:30, we’ll head out to the little local market, Savemor, to buy more carrots and apples for Norman. We plan to spend all of our evenings outdoors as late as we can to ensure we don’t miss Norman stopping by.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 15, 2015:

There are laws regarding the collection of any pieces of coral in Australia. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…Our friends leave tomorrow…The most economical countries to visit…

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Three kudus, eating lucerne under the tree in the garden.

As we consider where we may travel after we attend grandson Miles’ graduation in Minnesota in May 2026, costs are always a consideration. With inflation escalating worldwide, we find ourselves digging a little deeper to find countries suitable to our criteria for quality vacation homes that appeal to our desires at a cost we can comfortably afford.

The Most Economical Countries to Visit in 2025

Traveling the world doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the most memorable adventures can be found in places where your money stretches further, allowing for more extended stays, richer experiences, and less stress about your budget. In 2025, these countries stand out for offering incredible value while still delivering on beauty, culture, cuisine, and comfort.

Our boy Norman is so handsome. We love him.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam continues to be one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. For just a few dollars, travelers can enjoy delicious street food like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels. Public transportation and motorbike rentals are affordable and efficient. Highlights include exploring the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and experiencing the vibrant chaos of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Georgia (the country)

Georgia is rapidly gaining popularity for its mix of mountain landscapes, ancient churches, warm hospitality, and affordability. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this small nation offers budget-conscious travelers a taste of wine country (it’s one of the oldest wine regions in the world), hearty food, and scenic towns like Tbilisi and Kazbegi. Public transport is cheap, and many homestays include meals, making it easy to experience local culture.

Impala Broken Horn and bushbuck Chewy go head to head in the garden.

3. Mexico

Beyond the well-known resort towns, Mexico offers a rich tapestry of affordable travel experiences. Colonial cities like Oaxaca and Guanajuato are filled with charm and history, while the Yucatán Peninsula offers beautiful beaches and cenotes at reasonable prices. Street tacos, fresh fruit, and traditional meals are incredibly cheap, and local buses and collectivos help cut transportation costs. In 2025, the exchange rate continues to be favorable for foreign visitors, making Mexico a solid budget destination.

4. Albania

Often overlooked in favor of nearby Italy or Greece, Albania is a hidden gem for travelers seeking Mediterranean beauty without the price tag. The Albanian Riviera offers stunning beaches, turquoise water, and traditional seafood meals at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe. Cities like Tirana and Berat are filled with history and color, and the cost of food, transport, and lodging remains exceptionally low.

What is this large green fruit on a sparse leafless tree?

5. Nepal

For lovers of mountains and spiritual experiences, Nepal offers breathtaking scenery and affordability. Trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp can be done on a tight budget, especially when staying in teahouses along the way. Meals, lodging, and guides are reasonably priced. Even in Kathmandu and Pokhara, daily expenses can remain low while still enjoying temples, lakes, and local cuisine.

6. Bolivia

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. It’s a land of surreal landscapes—from the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni to the high-altitude city of La Paz. Food is hearty and affordable, accommodations range from hostels to mid-range hotels, and inter-city buses are inexpensive (though often long and bumpy). Despite some challenges with infrastructure, Bolivia rewards the budget traveler with unforgettable sights and adventures.

Norman fluffs up when he spots a Big Daddy nearby.

7. Morocco

Morocco offers a fascinating mix of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Budget travelers can wander the souks of Marrakech, hike in the Atlas Mountains, or sleep under the stars in the Sahara Desert. Street food and local restaurants offer flavorful meals for very little, and riads (traditional guesthouses) provide cultural charm at a good value. Trains and buses connect major cities affordably and efficiently.

While luxury destinations have their appeal, there’s something gratifying about discovering the world on a budget. These countries prove that with thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure, you can enjoy incredible experiences without spending a fortune. Whether you crave natural beauty, cultural immersion, or mouthwatering cuisine, the world is vast—and wonderfully affordable in 2025.

Check out the length of the horns on this Big Daddy.

We’ve been to three of the above countries, Vietnam, Mexico, and Morocco,  and have considered the others as possibilities for the future.

We’ve had a fantastic time with Kady and Rich. Tomorrow afternoon, driver Wayland will pick them up in the early afternoon to make the 80-minute drive to the Mpumalanga/Nelspruit/Kruger Airport to begin the long journey back to their home in Florida. They’ve only recovered from jetlag in the past few days, and they’ll begin again with jetlag returning to the US.

Today, Kady and I are going to lunch for “girl time” at Giraffe at noon while Tom and Rich head to the Crocodile River to see what’s happening across the river in Kruger.

That’s it for today, folks. Sorry, we missed you yesterday.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 13, 2015:

Double Island in Australia made us curious as to what it would be like to visit. For more photos, please click here.

Impala invasion after lucerne delivery…

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Three male kudus with varying horn sizes, from Big Daddy to Medium Daddy to Little Daddy, are attempting to share the lucerne this morning.

This morning, a bale of lucerne arrived after we’d ordered it yesterday at Daisy’s Den. Only moments after it was laid on the ground by the delivery guy in the usual spot by the tree, impalas surrounded it. They are hungry too. The bush is dry and brown with few natural food sources for the wildlife.

The rains won’t come until fall, when once again the bush will be lush and green with plenty of vegetation for the wild animals to eat. It’s going to be a long winter for them. Although many disapprove of feeding the animals, we, amongst the majority of Marloth Park citizens and visitors, can’t bear to see the animals starve to death.

The kudus were enjoying the lucerne.

They must only be provided with food that causes no harm to their digestive systems, but pellets, lucerne, and certain fruits and vegetables are acceptable. However, they should not be fed most human foods, such as corn, potato chips, pasta, crackers, bread, and sweets. Consuming such foods can be life-threatening to them.

Impala (Aepyceros melampus) are among the most abundant and iconic antelope species in South Africa, especially in places like Kruger National Park and other game reserves. Their behavior is shaped by their need for survival in an environment filled with predators and seasonal changes in food and water availability. Below is an overview of their typical behaviors:

Social Structure and Grouping

Impalas are highly social animals that typically live in structured groups. There are three main types of impala herds:

  1. Breeding Herds: These consist of females and their young, led loosely by one or more adult females.

  2. Bachelor Herds: Groups of young or adult males not currently holding a territory or harem.

  3. Territorial Males: During the rutting season (typically around March to May), dominant males establish and defend territories, attempting to gather harems of females for mating.

These herds can sometimes contain dozens to over a hundred animals, especially in areas with plentiful resources.

Big Daddy was monopolizing the bale of lucerne.

Feeding Behavior

Impalas are mixed feeders, which means they both graze on grass and browse on shrubs, leaves, and fruits, depending on seasonal availability. This dietary flexibility helps them survive year-round in the varied South African landscape.

They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, spending the heat of the day resting in shade.

Anti-Predator Behavior

Impalas are prey to many large carnivores such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. As such, they have developed keen senses and survival strategies:

  • Alertness: Impalas are constantly vigilant and rely heavily on sight, sound, and smell to detect threats.

  • Stotting or “Pronking”: When startled, they often leap high into the air, sometimes over 3 meters high and 10 meters long. This behavior may confuse predators or signal fitness to discourage pursuit.

    • Big Daddy was particularly enjoying himself.

    Group Safety: Living in large groups helps reduce individual risk, as more eyes and ears are available to detect danger.

Breeding and Mating Behavior

During the rut, dominant males become highly territorial and aggressive. They engage in loud vocalizations (deep grunts and snorts), scent-marking, and head-to-head clashes with rivals. Mating occurs in this period, and females give birth about six to seven months later, typically in November or December.

Female impalas often give birth at roughly the same time, which may overwhelm predators and increase the chances of calf survival—a strategy known as synchronized birthing.

Lots of female kudus and youngsters.

Vocalizations and Communication

Impalas communicate using various vocal sounds, such as:

  • Snorts: To alert others of danger.

  • Grunts and bellows: Used mainly by males during the rut to advertise dominance.

  • Bleating: Calves bleat to call for their mothers.

They also rely on body language—tail-raising, ear flicking, and postures—to convey alarm or social status.

Impalas returned for more lucerne.

Habitat and Range

In South Africa, impalas thrive in savanna woodlands, especially where there is a mix of open grassland and bush. They require access to water and prefer habitats where they can quickly escape into cover if threatened.

Interesting Behavioral Traits

  • Impalas often associate with other species, such as zebras or wildebeest, which enhances mutual predator detection.

  • During dry seasons, they can survive on less water by switching to more browse-based feeding.

  • They groom each other, particularly in bachelor groups, which reinforces social bonds and helps with parasite removal.

    The impalas came by and left depending on what other animals stopped by that might pose a threat.

Impalas may seem commonplace on a safari, but their social dynamics, agility, and constant alertness make them one of the most fascinating and adaptive creatures in South Africa’s wild landscapes.

With the new bale of lucerne here today, which is already almost half gone, we’ll be hanging around today and will head out to Jabula around 5:00 pm. There’s another rugby game on the monitors at Jabula tonight, so we won’t be able to sit in the bar, but we’re happy to dine on the veranda like we did last night, having a delicious dinner and lively conversation.

Lucerne is a rare treat for impalas, who are often too shy to approach humans this closely.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 12, 2015:

We fell in love with the pelicans in Australia for their beauty, grace, and movement. For more photos, please click here.

More wonders in the bush with Kady and Rich…Only four more days until they depart…

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This is the thick-tailed busybaby that walks the veranda railing at Jabula, enjoying the bits of banana the staff leave for him.

Today’s main photo is of a thick-tailed bushbaby, which few have ever seen. Every weekend when we dine at Jabula, we see this elusive nocturnal animal when the staff places a piece of banana along the railing to attract their nighttime visitor.

Guests are always in awe of seeing this special creature, and phones are busy attempting to take a photo of this difficult-to-capture, fast-moving animal.

Here is some detailed information about the bushbaby, at least twice the size of the tiny bushbabies:

The Thick-Tailed Bushbaby: A Nocturnal Acrobat of the African Night

The thick-tailed bushbaby (also known as the greater galago), Otolemur crassicaudatus, is the largest of the galago species and one of Africa’s most captivating nocturnal primates. With its oversized eyes, expressive ears, and extraordinary leaping ability, this elusive creature has adapted beautifully to life in the treetops. Found in wooded areas, forests, and savannas across eastern and southern Africa, including parts of Kruger National Park, the thick-tailed bushbaby is both mysterious and marvelously equipped for life after dark.

Giraffes in the garden.

Weighing between 1 and 2 kilograms and measuring up to 75 cm in length (including the tail), the thick-tailed bushbaby is significantly larger than its more diminutive cousins. Its long, bushy tail not only helps with balance when leaping between trees, but also serves as a visual identifier. The body is covered in dense, woolly fur that ranges in color from gray to brown, allowing it to blend effortlessly into the treetop shadows.One of the bushbaby’s most striking features is its enormous eyes, perfectly adapted for night vision. These primates are entirely nocturnal, and their sharp vision is complemented by acute hearing, thanks

their large, mobile ears. Bushbabies can swivel their ears independently to detect the faintest rustle of leaves or insect movement, giving them a near-surreal awareness of their surroundings.

Their diet is varied and omnivorous. Thick-tailed bushbabies feed on fruits, tree gum, insects, small birds, and even eggs. They are particularly fond of the sticky exudate produced by acacia trees, which they harvest by gouging into the bark. This makes them vital to their ecosystem, as they help with seed dispersal and control insect populations.

The magic of giraffes in the garden continues to amaze us.

Social by nature, thick-tailed bushbabies often live in small groups, although they forage alone. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, ranging from sharp barks and grunts to eerie cries that echo through the night. These calls serve to establish territory, alert others to danger, or locate one another in the dense forest.

Their locomotion is another marvel. Thick-tailed bushbabies are powerful leapers, capable of jumping over 2 meters from branch to branch using their strong hind limbs. On the ground, they move with a bounding gait, but they’re much more agile and comfortable among the trees. Their hands and feet are equipped with opposable thumbs and grooming claws, which aid both in movement and personal hygiene.

Despite their adaptability, thick-tailed bushbabies face several threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation and the expansion of human settlements continues to shrink their natural range. In some regions, they are hunted for bushmeat or captured for the illegal pet trade. However, they are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to their relatively wide distribution and ability to live in both protected and modified environments.

Big Daddy stops by several times a day.

For those lucky enough to hear a thick-tailed bushbaby’s calls on a warm African night, or to glimpse its wide eyes in the beam of a flashlight—it’s a magical reminder of the life that thrives while the world sleeps. Agile, intelligent, and adapted to the night, the thick-tailed bushbaby is a quiet yet vital part of Africa’s nocturnal ecosystem.

On another note, in four days, on Tuesday, July 15, Kady and Rich will begin the long trek back to the US. The layover time in London has been reduced from nine hours to seven, which helps a little. We’ll be anxious to hear how they are feeling once they return. It’s never easy, but it seems that going from east to west is a little better with time gained as opposed to lost.

Last night the four of us had dinner at Ngwenya Resort enjoying the meaty buffet and its wonderful offerings. This all-you-can-eat buffet with delicious meats and side dishes is ZAR 200, US $11.22. With our drinks, tax and tip the total bill was ZAR 807, US $45.28.

We’ll be sad to see Kady and Rich leave but, Tom and I will easily roll back to our usual active lives in the bush with our human and animal friends. As always, life will be good.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 11, 2015:

Ironically, one of our favorite wild animals at the Cairns Tropical Zoo was the Dingo, looking familiar to us as a domesticated dog. However, Dingos are wild animals, and many attempts to domesticate them have failed. For more photos, please click here.

A rare and special sighting in Kruger National Park…Quiz Night results…

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This was the first time in a long time that Tom and I had seen a jackal. Read the information below about jackals.

Jackals in Kruger National Park: The Clever Canids of the Savanna

In the vast expanse of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary, jackals may not be as imposing as lions or as majestic as elephants. Still, they are among the most fascinating and adaptable creatures in the park. With their sharp wits, resourcefulness, and eerie calls that echo through the bush at dusk, jackals play a vital role in Kruger’s ecosystem.

There are two species of jackals found in Kruger: the black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the side-striped jackal (Canis adustus). Both are members of the dog family and are known for their cunning nature, often likened to foxes or coyotes in behavior and appearance. The black-backed jackal is the more common of the two and is easily recognized by the dark saddle of fur running down its back, which contrasts sharply with its rusty-colored body. The side-striped jackal, less frequently seen, has a grayer coat with light stripes running along its flanks.

The jackal was searching back and forth for food.

Black-backed jackals are highly visible in open savanna areas, particularly during early morning and late afternoon. They are vocal animals, often heard before they are seen. Their haunting, high-pitched howls and yelps serve as a form of communication with family members and a warning to rival jackals. Visitors to Kruger often hear their calls at night, part of the park’s wild, nocturnal soundscape.

Jackals are opportunistic omnivores, which means they will eat almost anything available. Their diet includes insects, rodents, birds, reptiles, fruit, and even the leftovers from predator kills. They are excellent scavengers and are often seen trailing behind larger carnivores, such as lions and hyenas, in hopes of snatching scraps. Despite this, jackals are also skilled hunters in their own right and can take down small antelopes, especially when hunting in pairs. Their intelligence and adaptability allow them to thrive in both open plains and more wooded areas.

It was exciting to see several Cape buffaloes and elephants at the Verhami Dam, which we’ve seldom seen.

One of the more fascinating behaviors of jackals is their monogamous pair bonding. A male and female will form a lifelong pair and defend a shared territory. They often raise their pups together in dens, with both parents actively participating in feeding and protecting their young. In some cases, older offspring from previous litters may remain with the family to help raise the next generation, a trait more commonly associated with social species, such as wolves.

In Kruger, jackals play a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance. By scavenging carcasses, they contribute to natural sanitation and help limit the spread of disease. Their predation on rodents and insects also controls populations of potential agricultural pests.

Though jackals are abundant, they often go unnoticed by tourists, who are more interested in spotting the Big Five. However, for those who take the time to watch these intelligent creatures, jackals offer an intriguing window into the subtleties of life in the bush. Their interactions, vocalizations, and social dynamics reveal the complexities of survival in a challenging environment.

What a fine view of an adult and two young giraffes against the backdrop of the pretty sky.

Side-striped jackals, more elusive than their black-backed cousins, prefer areas with thicker vegetation and are primarily nocturnal. They are less vocal and more solitary, rarely seen during game drives. Yet, their role in the ecosystem is just as important, and spotting one is a rare and rewarding experience for any wildlife enthusiast.

In a landscape dominated by giants, jackals remind us that intelligence, adaptability, and cooperation are equally powerful tools for survival. Observing them in Kruger is a testament to the park’s biodiversity—not just in size and spectacle, but in the subtle, everyday lives of its quieter residents.

We spotted this elephant near the road close to the Verhami Dam in Kruger.

Last night, we headed to Giraffe Pub & Grill for Quiz Night, and although we didn’t win, we came in fourth place and won back the per-person entry fee of ZAR 30, equivalent to US $1.68. It was such fun to play, and we will return on our own next Tuesday, the day that Kady and Rich leave to return to the US.

Tonight, we are going to braai and stay in for the evening. They are having a great time, and it’s been delightful to share the wonders of the bush with them. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 9, 2015:

Interesting decorations and vegetation growing in the yard of a house in our area of Trinity Beach, Australia. Notice Fred Flintstone on the left in the photo. For more photos, please click here.

Yep…We saw rhinos again yesterday morning in Kruger National Park…South Africa rhino stats…

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For a moment, this rhino turned his head for a partial view of her face. This was the best we could capture.

We figured that when we took off yesterday morning in search of rhinos in Kruger National Park, we had a slim chance of seeing them again, since we’d seen them when our friend Lisa was here in April.

We entered the area within several kilometers of where we’d seen them a few months ago, and there they were, perhaps the same pair or another pair, as the exact number of rhinos in this area is not disclosed.

We cannot disclose the specific location of the rhinos we spotted due to the risk that poachers may read our article and then head out to poach them. Enough have been lost already.

However, the opportunity for our visiting friends Kady and Rich to see rhinos in the wild for the first time in their lives was an indescribable joy. How many people have ever seen rhinos in the wild? This number is impossible to determine since stats are not documented. However, overall, based on the world’s population, it is undoubtedly a small number.

In the past, we have posted rhino statistics several times, but seeing them again prompted us to post them once more.

Here are the latest rhino population and poaching stats for South Africa:

The two rhinos continued to head further away from our view.

Rhino Population Overview

Total Population

  • South Africa is home to around 16,000–18,000 rhinos, the world’s largest population, including both white and black rhinos

  • White rhinos dominate, with approximately 13,000 in 2021, comprising roughly 12,968 in South Africa

  • Black rhinos number around 2,056, representing about 44% of Africa’s total black rhino population

Poaching Trends

2024 Highlights

  • 420 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2024, a 16% drop from 499 in 2023.

  • Of these, 320 were from public reserves (e.g., national parks) and 100 from private land

  • KwaZulu-Natal province has seen significant progress, with 232 rhinos poached in 2023, down from 325 in 2022, thanks to dehorning and anti-poaching efforts.

  • Kruger National Park recorded 88 poaching incidents in 2024, slightly up from 78 in 2023

    They wandered off for better grazing.

Early 2025 Update

  • Between January and March 2025, 103 rhinos were poached—65 of these within national parks, averaging more than one animal lost daily, mirroring the pace of early 2024

  • Four provinces—Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape—reported zero poaching during this period.

Conservation & Anti-Poaching Efforts

  • A recent Scientific study found that dehorning reduces poaching by ~80%, costing just 1–1.2% of protection budgets in the Greater Kruger region 

  • Other initiatives include:

    • Radioactive horn implants to deter smuggling attempts

    • Enhanced law enforcement, polygraph vetting, anti-corruption measures, and community engagement.

    • Translocations of black rhinos to bolster genetics in private reserves

Summary

  • Population: ~16k–18k total; ~13k white rhinos, ~2k black rhinos.

  • 2024 poaching: 420 killed (16% decrease from 2023); significant reduction in KZN.

  • 2025 Q1: 103 killed; rates remain concerning, though some provinces saw zero loss.

  • Key responses: Dehorning, surveillance technology, arrests, and horn marking—effective but require broader support and continued funding.

With the two rhinos’ backsides facing us at a distance, we weren’t able to take many good photos. But, we were thrilled to capture the few that were possible.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 8, 2015:

This adorable Kookaburra posed for me in the yard while sitting on the fence next to the rain gauge. These birds are much larger than they appear in this photo. For more photos, please click here.

Introducing our friends to a lively night at Jabula!…Tourist transportation hazards…

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Last night, we had a fantastic evening at Jabula.

Last night couldn’t have been more fun. We arrived at Jabula a little later than usual. We wouldn’t have been sitting at the bar, given the vast number of sports enthusiasts watching the rugby game, so we headed directly to our assigned table on the veranda.

The service, the food, and the ambiance couldn’t have been more perfect, even amid the vast, rowdy crowd. The staff provided exemplary service and food. Thanks to Dawn and Leon, Corrine, and all the staff for a superior experience. We even got into the exuberant dancing on the dance floor to the lively popular music after the game ended. What a fun place to share with our friends.

On another note, here’s an important article that may be of interest to our readers who rent portable personal transportation while traveling.

From Travel & Leisure at this link:

“Major Tourist Destinations Have a Hidden Transportation Hazard That Leaves Travelers and Locals Vulnerable—What to Know

Are micromobility devices a growing safety crisis? By Staff Author, Published on July 5, 2025

  • E-bike and scooter injuries have surged, according to researchers at UCSF.
  • Many tourist cities are restricting the use of micromobility devices due to an increase in accidents and safety concerns.

The newest travel hazard in cities might be something you aren’t expecting at all.

Electric scooters and e-bikes are ubiquitous throughout many cities worldwide, and they aren’t inherently dangerous. But the sheer number of them, combined with the potential for serious accidents, makes them a real and serious travel hazard for visitors.

The setting sun was a perfect backdrop for some photos.

A 2024 study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that injuries from e-bikes have doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, and injuries from scooters have risen by 45 percent annually.

“This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift but also underscores an urgent need for added safety measures,” co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, a chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology, said in a statement on the UCSF website. “There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to micro-mobility vehicle use, but structural changes must be taken to promote safe riding.”

In response, many major tourist destinations, including New York, Madrid, and Paris, have taken steps to ban or severely limit e-scooters, while others are on the verge of becoming scooter-free. Often, e-bikes and e-scooters behave in ways around pedestrians that put both riders and walkers at risk of injury.

Though serious injuries are rare, they do happen. In 2024, a woman was severely injured in West Hollywood when she was hit by a motorized scooter, suffering a fractured skull and brain swelling that required hospitalization. An American man in Sydney nearly died after being hit by an e-bike that was being ridden in an area where it was not permitted. He needed emergency brain surgery and spent weeks in a coma.

We had a fabulous time with Kady and Rich.

And most run-ins between people and micro-mobility devices go unreported. Many more people have close calls or are injured by speeding scooters, and these experiences can make people nervous in cities, which in turn affects tourists. Tourists can also be responsible for close calls, as they rent e-bikes and scooters to joyride around unfamiliar cities, leading to potential accidents. Riders of e-devices might feel unsafe riding on main streets alongside cars but then become a hazard to pedestrians on sidewalks. Designated scooter lanes can be helpful, but they are not always available.

“As micro-mobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical,” corresponding author Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS, the Taube Family Distinguished Professor and chair of the UCSF Department of Urology, said on the UCSF website. “By doing so, we can harness the full potential of micro-mobility to create more sustainable, healthy, and safe urban environments.”

Today, we’ll stay in and enjoy the bush, along with an excellent homemade meal. Perhaps we’ll play cards, and without a doubt, the conversation will be lively and animated.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, July 6, 2015:

The house we rented in Phuket, Thailand, was built around its private pool. For more photos, please click here.