How insignificant are our endless stories in light of world affairs…

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What a delight it was to see several young male wildebeest who came to call.

As we listen to news from around the world, we are deeply concerned by current global affairs. It’s terrifying for those in the path of ongoing warfare and dreadful in another way for those of us contemplating what could transpire worldwide.

Our simple daily posts don’t touch upon these horrific topics, and by no means does our lack of addressing these topics diminish the effect on us as we live in countries outside our own.

We strive to stay informed while continuing with our everyday lives, but not discussing it here does not indicate apathy or a lack of concern. Our hearts break for those in the path of destruction and have lost their lives, lost their loved ones, been injured, and lost their homes, sense of well-being, and personal sense of safety.

Bossy, my favorite female kudu, visits several times a day.

No words we can write can express the magnitude of what is transpiring in the world. But, our simple posts about our lives of world travel may present a momentary respite for those of our readers who are feeling the terrors of developing situations.

No, we won’t delve into the politics of these devastating scenarios, nor will we discuss our opinions on what our leaders should and shouldn’t do. Doing so is beyond the scope of our intentions in sharing the daily details of our travel lives.

We will continue to post in our typical style. Whether you find it a respite or not, we welcome you to continue visiting us each day, knowing that the love and compassion in our hearts and minds are genuine, especially since we’ve spent so much time coming to know and admire citizens throughout the world.

A purple-crested turaco has been hanging around for days.

And thus, we continue…

It’s almost noon here, and I spent the better part of the morning prepping dinner for tonight. Tom is definitely under the weather with the flu or a bad cold and has gone back to bed for more sleep. The long journey took a toll on him, and he hasn’t been himself since we arrived in Marloth Park five days ago.

I have been feeling fine since we arrived and have had plenty of sleep, although I haven’t been able to fall asleep according to my regular schedule. For the past four nights, I’ve stayed awake until 1:00 or 2:00 am, but slept until 8:00 or 9:00 am, which is unusual for me.

The underside of the purple-crested turacos wings are a bright red. It’s tricky to take a photo when they are in flight.

Hopefully, Tom will fully recover by the time our friends Karen and Rich arrive in six days, and, of course, I’m hopeful that I won’t catch what he has. Fingers crossed.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 22, 2015:

A kangaroo was posing for us. They aren’t as friendly as warthogs in South Africa or birds in Kauai so that I won’t go overboard with kangaroo photos. I can’t wait to see a “joey” in a pouch. For more photos, please click here.

Summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere…WiFi came back this morning…Meat market blast…

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All of this meat including four steaks, seven pounds of sausage, two flattie chickens, four packages of ground beef, four packages of chicken breasts, two large hake (fish) fillets, and two bags of beef biltong (best beef jerky in the world) at a cost of Zar 1853.19, US $102.49.

“The June 21st date refers to the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, not an equinox. It marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of astronomical summer. The term “equinox” refers to a point where day and night are of equal length, which occurs during the spring and autumn equinoxes.”

Gosh, being without WiFi is a big hassle for us. Not only were we unable to prepare a post, but we also couldn’t look up information that came to mind throughout the day and evening. Fortunately, yesterday, early in the day, there was a weak enough signal for me to post a notice that the WiFi was out.

These are two chicken flatties, each whole chicken cut in half, weighing 1.35 kg, or 2.98 pounds, costing ZAR 93.70, USD $5.18.

But that weak signal soon disappeared, and we had no signal at all. The fault was all the way to Komatipoort and included thousands of users. It was tough during the night, as I had trouble falling asleep and didn’t nod off until 2:00 a.m. On the other hand, Tom has been having awful issues getting enough sleep since we returned.

His first night here was good, but Wednesday and Thursday nights were awful. He didn’t sleep more than two or three hours each night and was exhausted. Additionally, he was experiencing symptoms of a cold, including frequent coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Doc Theo had given me a prescription for Ambien to use when we were trying to sleep on the plane. Neither of us took it, but I thought last night would be a perfect time for Tom to take a pill when he went to bed. It worked! He slept through the night and feels more rested today, although he still has cold symptoms.

This is a pork chop weighing .45 kg, 1 pound, at a cost of US $2.27. South Africans like fat on their meat. We cut it off after cooking.

Hopefully, he’ll be better by next Saturday, when friends Karen and Rich arrive from Florida. Of course, I am staying as far away from him as I can, praying I don’t get it. He’s using a nasal spray, cough medicine, and antihistamines. Having pulmonary fibrosis only exacerbates the coughing. Thank goodness, he quit smoking nine months ago.

A few days ago, we went to The Butchery to purchase a variety of meats, as shown in the photos. As always, we were thrilled with the excellent prices on protein sources in South Africa. The prices are comparable to the prices we paid in the US 30 or 40 years ago.

Now, we have plenty of meat to last while Karen and Rich are here and will only need to make a trip to Komatipoort next week to round out some items they use that we don’t consume, such as orange juice, fruit, milk, and more. We’ll ensure that we have everything they typically eat while here, as long as it’s available at the Spar Market.

This is a porterhouse steak weighing .72 kg, 1.59 pounds, at a cost of ZAR 107.60, US $5.95.

Of course, we’ll be dining out often, but typically they eat breakfast and lunch. Today, I made Tom breakfast, hoping he wouldn’t eat so much candy from the remaining 11-pound load, as he had been doing over the past several days. I have returned to my OMAD (one meal a day) eating routine, which consists of a single meal rich in nutrients.

Now I can lose the 5 pounds, 2.3 kg, I gained back while in the US, eating “big” food often twice a day. I even succumbed to eating snacks during the day and evening, all healthy, but way too much food for me. This style of intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, but I feel my best when I eat only once a day. Please check with your medical professional before you embark on such a plan.

Last night, we headed to Jabula for dinner. It was such fun to spend time with Dawn and Leon, owners of the lodge and our dear friends. We had a fantastic evening.

Tonight, we’ll return to Jabula again for dinner. I suggested we stay in tonight since Tom is under the weather, but he insists he’ll be fine going out again. I am feeling good and rested.

That’s it for today, folks. We’ll be back with more tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 21, 2015

Tom’s homemade dinner last night in Trinity Beach, Australia, included one pork chop, three gluten-free cheese sausages, one gluten-free knockwurst on a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, a side salad, and a muffin with New Zealand grass-fed organic butter (muffin not shown). This is a typical meal for us. For more photos, please click here.

Getting organized…

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A red-headed finch at the birdbath.

Yes, Norman visited us, but it was last night in the dark, and I couldn’t manage to get a decent photo to share here today. Surely, he’ll return soon and we’ll be able to take pictures of “our boy.”

As much as I’d like to be done unpacking, I have yet to unpack my suitcase completely. Although we very much like this holiday home, it doesn’t have a lot of storage space. Then again, we’ve found that few holiday homes outside the US have adequate storage space for long-term travelers who may have more “stuff” than those staying for weeks as opposed to months, like us.

When these homes are built or remodeled for rental purposes, spending on extra cupboards and closets is not a priority. Of course, we’ll admit we’ve acquired more stuff while spending so much time here in the past nearly 13 years. Now, as I unpack my one bag, I’ll be making piles of clothing that have been replaced by newer items we recently purchased in the USA.

I’m not sure of the name of this bird. Any suggestions?

Most likely, I’ll offer some of the items in better shape to Vusi or Zef for their family members. I didn’t want to offend them by offering used clothing, but Louise assured me they are grateful. Zef has two wives, which is culturally accepted in South Africa, and surely his wives, his daughters, or other family members, can use the clothing.

This morning, after another good night’s sleep, I awoke to find Tom already out of bed. I’d slept for a solid seven hours, and he said he’s been awake since 2:00 am. He’ll try to avoid taking a nap today so he can sleep better, since both of us nodded off repeatedly while attempting to watch a few streamed shows last night.

We finally gave up trying to watch anything and turned off the laptop before 9:00 pm. By 10:00 pm, he was fast asleep, while I stayed awake until midnight. When I didn’t feel sleepy, I started streaming a boring show on my phone. Without Tom wearing his hearing aids at night, he couldn’t hear the sound of the show. I prefer not to use earbuds when trying to fall asleep.

This worked for me, and finally I drifted off, not awakening until 7:30 refreshed and ready to start my day. It was a night filled with realistic and wild dreams, but sound REM sleep is vital after such a long travel time. Hopefully, tonight, Tom will get at least seven or eight hours of sleep.

Several kudus, male, female, and youngsters, were in the garden near the braai.

Yesterday, we shopped at Spar in Komatipoort, spending US $330, ZAR 5963, restocking many of our usual items for meals, except for meat. The only meat we purchased was paloney for the mongoose. Once I upload today’s post, we’ll head to The Butchery for meat to last until we shop again just before Karen and Rich arrive in nine days.

Also, we’ll make the short trip to Daisy’s Den to pick up pellets, birdseeds, and pay in advance for lucerne to be delivered once a week for the next month. The animals are hungry, and anything we can do to feed them, we will do. We purchased two 5 kg (11-pound) bags of carrots and one large bag of small apples. The total cost for these three bags was under US $5.00, ZAR 90, a bargain compared to what we’d have paid for these items in the US.

As soon as Zef or Vusi arrive here and make the bed, I’ll have Tom toss my suitcase on the bed, and I’ll get to work on putting everything away.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 19, 2015:

The water, the mountains, a blue sky. What more could we ask for, here in Trinity Beach, our home for three months? For more photos, please click here.

We’re baaaaaaaaaaaack in the bush…No jet lag!…

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Bossy was our first animal to find that we were back. We can only imagine how many times she stopped by in the last three weeks, wondering where we were.

After we arrived in Marloth Park, around 4:30 pm, we stopped at Louise and Danie’s to pick up the keys to the house. It was fantastic to see them both again, as well as Louise’s lovely parents from Cape Town, Estelle and Johan, whom we’ve come to know and adore over the years.

We were too exhausted to join them for sundowners, but we stayed for about 30 minutes, enjoying lively conversation and looking forward to more in the next few days before they return home over the weekend. Louise and Danie’s birthdays are coming up next week, and we’re insisting on taking the four of them out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate.

A female impala made an appearance.

While we were away, Zef and Vusi did a complete spring clean of the house, and every corner of the house was clean, dust-free, and organized. We are so grateful.

This morning, at 7:30, after waking up after sleeping through the night, I became blissfully aware that I had no jet lag whatsoever. Also, I couldn’t wait to look through the glass doors to the veranda to see who’d come to call. I wasn’t disappointed.

This was our huge band of mongooses looking for paloney. Since we are shopping later today, we didn’t have any paloney for them. Instead, we gave them little cubes of cheddar cheese. They devoured it.

There were at least eight bushbucks, two male kudus, three impalas, four warthogs, and a dozen helmeted guineafowl. (Sounds like “partridge in a pear tree”). I didnt turn off the security alarm since I didn’t want to wake Tom, who was still sound asleep.

I decided to take another shower, after doing so less than ten hours earlier, get dressed, and get ready for the day. Since the timing was off due to the time difference, I skipped my usual morning pills yesterday to get back on track with morning dosing, considering the time difference.

Wartghogs and helmeted guinea fowl.

Now, as I sit at my usual spot at the table on the veranda, the joyful feeling of being surrounded by nature overwhelms me, along with a profound sense of “being back at home”.

The long 42-plus-hour travel time was worth every moment, although the nine-hour layover in London was tough when we hadn’t slept in 24 hours. On the later second flight from London to Johannesburg, I think I slept for about 20 minutes while Tom didn’t do much better.

Big Daddy is on a mission to mate with Bossy.

The flights weren’t too bad, with little turbulence, but the food was awful, so neither of us ate much. We went to lunch at a restaurant in Heathrow, and the food wasn’t much better.

Fortunately, we had left some homemade frozen leftovers, so by 6:00 pm, exhausted and out of sorts, we put together a decent plate of food for each of us and then headed to the bedroom to shower, relax, and see if we could wind down, streaming a show.

Our usual starling is looking for fresh water and birdseed.

Neither of us got through the single episode without nodding off several times, desperately trying to stay awake until at least 10:30 pm. We each took an over-the-counter sleeping pill, and by midnight, we’d both managed to drift off, miraculously both sleeping through the night.

That’s all it took for us to awaken refreshed and alert, with the brain fog gone. For us, a single good night’s sleep is all it takes to get us back on track after a long trip.

Two zebras who’ve often stopped by.

As soon as we upload this post, we’ll head to Komatipoort to buy groceries and a few other items. When we return and put the groceries away, I’ll finish my unpacking, and by this evening, our lives in the bush for these remaining three months until we depart for Spain, will be in order.

Today’s photos were all taken this morning. Enjoy them, along with us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, June 18, 2015:

During our first few days in Trinity Beach, Australia, we had a second kangaroo sighting of the day at a nearby field. The first, we saw in a flash while walking through the rainforest, unable to take a photo in time. For more photos, please click here.

Happy Father’s Day to our sons, friends and all the dads out there…Travel day today…

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We look forward to Norman and his family stopping by when we return to Marloth Park after two days of travel.

What a busy few days we’ve had! We made several purchases while here to restock clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous items that seemed to make us overweight for the two large suitcases we’d brought with us. We spent the entire morning rearranging items to keep the weight of each of the two large bags within the 23 kg, or 50-pound limit.

With the 5 kg, 11 pounds of jelly candies Tammy gave Tom for Father’s Day, we had a real dilemma. We couldn’t fit it into either of our large bags without incurring an extra US $100 overweight fee. We’d purchased one small carry-on bag, which we ended up using for the candy. Goodness!

At the moment, we think we have it all covered, and the weight of our bags shouldn’t require any extra fees. Fortunately, as always, we have our bathroom scale with us, which makes this process manageable instead of waiting until we reach the check-in desk, where the bags are weighed, and we receive our boarding passes.

Traveling on international flights generally allows for more checked baggage. We always check online to see what limitations we have to deal with. Additionally, checking in at a check-in station doesn’t work as easily as it does for domestic flights.

Greg, Heather, and the kids asked us to join them for brunch at a restaurant today, but that would have been while we were trying to figure things out. If we needed to go out to purchase an extra bag, our minds wouldn’t have been at ease to dine out. Now, we can relax and know we’re in good shape.

Since our flight isn’t until almost 11:00 pm tonight, and we’re out of food, Tom will head out at around 4:00 pm to go to Jimmy John’s for unwiches, which don’t leave us feeling overly full and uncomfortable. We’d considered ordering Chinese food, but the salty food isn’t good, which could result in swelling in our feet.

Both of us will be wearing compression socks, which we’ll put on shortly before the first flight boards. We won’t take them off for the nine-hour layover in London, where we’ll be tomorrow during the day. Most likely, we’ll wear them until we arrive at the house in Marloth Park in the afternoon, around 5:00 pm.

We have delicious homemade tuna patties in the freezer at the house, which we can have for dinner when we arrive, along with homemade keto blueberry muffins. The following day, depending on how we feel, we’ll head to Komatipoort to stock up on items we’ll need to restock.

If we’re still too tired to drive that far, we can go to the little SavMore market located in Marloth Park. No doubt, it’ll take a few days to recover from the long journey, but we’ll be so happy to return; we’ll manage just fine.

Happy Father’s Day to our wonderful sons and all the dads in the world on this special day.

We’ll “see” you next on the other side of the world!

Be well.

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

This appears to be a parasite-type plant growing on a palm tree in the yard in Trinity Beach, Australia. For more photos, please click here.

Long-legged beauties come to call…See Tom’s video, taken this morning…Two days and counting…

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Note: In the above video, Tom said it was June 22, when in fact it was May 22, 2025.

Last evening, while we were lounging on the veranda enjoying our sundowners, six giraffes stopped by for a visit, and we got a few of today’s photos. However, before I was outdoors early this morning, Tom made the above video when they stopped by in their long-legged beauty.

Last evening, this was our first view of the giraffes.

We don’t feed giraffes since they don’t bend to eat, only to drink. Instead, they savor the leaves on the treetops, especially when they are more plentiful than the low-lying bushes, and they don’t have to share them with other animals, who obviously can’t reach that high.

Three giraffes meandered into our garden while we attempted to capture some photos.

For the past few days, we have had WiFi problems. They have been reported to Tech Connect, the service provider. However, I managed to upload the above video to YouTube, which Tom made this morning while I was still in bed. He always gets up a few hours before I do since I tend to be awake for a few hours in the middle of the night, but I can sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I am usually up, showered, dressed, and outdoors by 8:00 am.

Getting decent head shots is always challenging with their heads buried in the treetops.

Undoubtedly, I suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) and long to be outside on the veranda as early as possible, fearful I will miss something in the garden. Tom always awakens me when Norman stops by. I wouldn’t want to miss seeing him for anything. He visited twice yesterday, each time staring deep into my eyes.

Check out her tongue. It’s a lot longer than it appears here.

I’d like to think that Norman looks at me like that out of love, but he most likely knows how to get me to cut up carrots and apples for him. It works every time. Sometimes, Toms looks at me like that, but I don’t think he’s longing for carrots and apples. Nonetheless, whether it’s a look from Norman or even Tom, I detect a strong sense of love that makes my heart sing joyfully.

Life is good. I don’t have a complaint in the world. In two days, we’ll begin the long trip to the US and look forward to getting past the lack of sleep for two days, the seven-hour time difference, and the physiological disruptions that come with long-distance travel.

Our busy schedule will commence once we have recovered for a few days. Something is planned almost every day until we leave on June 15. Tom and I will attend most events together, but we will have a few family get-togethers on our own to maximize our time in Minnesota.

Side by side, these three held their heads down checking something out.

Soon, Tom will drop me off at Inbewe Spa in Marloth Park for a pedicure. Yesterday, he had a haircut with his usual stylist at the Bush Centre hair salon. Yesterday, I assembled various items for our upcoming trip into ziplock bags. Now, all I have to do is pack a small amount of clothes, but not a lot, since we’re buying some items while we’re in the US.

This time, we’ll be packing our two large checked duffle bags. Based on how much we purchase, we’ll purchase a new large suitcase to replace one of our large bags with a broken wheel while in the US.

Finally, a decent full-on pose.

It’s time for me to get ready to leave for my pedicure appointment. If we still have WFi issues when I return, I will contact Tech Connect to see how they can resolve them.

That’s it for today, folks.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 22, 2015:

We seldom can get a photo of us together without imposing it on others. On occasion, when appropriate, we’ll offer to take a photo of a couple or a family, hoping they’ll also take ours. For more photos, please click here.

Culling wildlife in Marloth Park…a hot topic…Three days and counting…

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A young male kudu, years before he grows his full rack. Impalas and a bushbuck are also in the photos.

Culling will begin in Marloth Park in the next few days. Over 200 impalas, numerous warthogs, and old and sick animals will be culled, with some other species being moved to different locations. Sadly, this is a necessary evil that must be done to restore the habitat for future generations. Many oppose this process, and others accept it with resignation, as we do, knowing that ultimately, it’s for the best.

Culling Wildlife in Marloth Park, South Africa (2025)

Marloth Park, a unique wildlife conservancy and residential area bordering the Kruger National Park in South Africa, is again facing a complex and divisive issue in 2025: the culling of wild animals. This ongoing practice, though controversial, is driven by complex ecological, ethical, and logistical considerations that continue to stir strong emotions among residents, conservationists, and visitors alike.

Marloth Park was initially conceived as a sanctuary where wildlife could roam freely among human dwellings. The blend of nature and habitation created a rare and enchanting environment, attracting permanent residents and tourists seeking a close connection with Africa’s iconic wildlife. However, as the years have passed, the balance between human development and the ecosystem’s ability to support large numbers of animals has tipped precariously.

The root cause of culling in Marloth Park is overpopulation. Species such as impala, zebra, kudu, and warthogs—some of the most commonly sighted animals in the park—have thrived without natural predators. Lions, leopards, and hyenas are rarely found in Marloth Park due to the proximity of human homes, and this absence has allowed herbivore populations to increase unchecked. As their numbers swell, so does the pressure on the park’s limited vegetation.

Overgrazing has become a serious issue. Indigenous plant species are being destroyed faster than they can regenerate, leading to soil erosion, habitat loss, and decreased biodiversity. Smaller animals and birds that depend on the bush for shelter and food are being pushed out, and the long-term health of the park’s ecosystem is under threat. Culling, supporters argue, is a necessary but painful measure to restore ecological balance.

In 2025, the decision to cull approximately 200 animals, primarily impala and zebra, sparked renewed debate. The process, coordinated by conservation authorities in consultation with ecologists and wildlife veterinarians, was designed to be as humane and targeted as possible. The meat from culled animals is often donated to local communities, adding a social benefit to the environmental management strategy.

Still, the emotional cost is high for many residents and animal lovers. Marloth Park is not just a place—it’s a community where people form real, emotional connections with the animals who wander through their yards and drink from bird baths. Seeing familiar herds disappear overnight is heartbreaking for those who view these creatures as neighbors and companions.

Critics of culling argue that more sustainable, long-term solutions should be prioritized. Some advocate for fertility control methods, such as immunocontraception, which can reduce population growth over time without the trauma of killing. Others push for better development and fencing management or the controlled reintroduction of natural predators. However, these approaches are costly, complex, and slower to yield results—luxuries that may not align with the urgency of the current ecological crisis.

Ultimately, the culling of animals in Marloth Park reflects the broader challenges faced when humans and wildlife share the same space. It underscores the delicate balance between conservation and compassion, science and sentiment. In an ideal world, nature would regulate itself without intervention. But in a semi-wild, semi-urban setting like Marloth Park, human hands are sometimes forced to act—even when the choices are difficult.

As 2025 unfolds, the hope is that greater dialogue, transparency, and innovation will lead to more compassionate and effective wildlife management strategies. The goal is not just to protect the landscape, but to honor the deep connection people feel to the animals that make Marloth Park such a rare and special place.

We may not notice the difference in the park since we only interact with one impala, Mac, who lives in our garden and chases away any other intruding impalas. Hopefully, he’ll still be here when we return.

Neither of us gets caught up in the controversy on this topic. We aren’t property owners and need to keep our opinions to ourselves. Instead, we choose to listen and learn what is most beneficial to the wildlife and the restoration of the veld. (Veld is a term used to describe an open, rural landscape in Southern Africa, particularly in areas like South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. It refers to a region characterized by grassy plains or areas with sparse trees, often used for grazing and farming. The word “veld” is derived from Afrikaans and Dutch, meaning “field”.)

That’s it for today, dear readers. We’re starting to think about packing, but neither of us will tackle it until Friday, when on Saturday we’re leaving for the airport to begin the long journey.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 21, 2015:

The view from our lanai in Kauai as we prepared to leave. For more photos, please click here.

Part 5…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…4 days and counting…A heartbreaking loss to the ecosystem…

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Beautiful scene of the Sabie River.

News posted last night on Facebook regarding Lionspruit, the conservancy within Mrloth Park, where a devastating ecological wildlife loss has occurred in recent days:

Our photo from a previous visit to Kruger. Classic scene of three vultures on a limb. We were thrilled to get this shot from quite a distance. Vultures are, however, great ecologists who have a high sense of personal hygiene and are a manifestation of the adage of patience as a virtue. They clean the veld of carrion, thereby minimizing the impact of animal disease, and they bathe regularly in rivers after gorging themselves at a kill.”

“𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺: 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦: Another 100 critically endangered vultures dead, poisoned in Mpumalanga

Vulpro, one of Africa’s few vulture-focused conservation organisations, and Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Mpumalanga, has confirmed a significant poisoning incident in the Lionspruit Game Reserve near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. Over 100 vultures have died, including 92 White-backed vultures of which 90% were breeding adults, 9 Hooded vultures, and one male adult White-headed vulture.
Hippos on the shore of Sunset Dam.
The scene was located through real-time GPS tracking of several vultures previously rehabilitated and released by Vulpro and Wild and Free. Upon detecting abnormal movement, Vulpro notified Wild and Free, who contacted the Nkomazi municipal field rangers. Together, the team responded immediately to find a catastrophic scene with multiple carcasses lying around a warthog carcass. There are no survivors, and no body parts were taken. Two more carcasses were discovered by air, thanks to SANParks, who joined in on the search.
This deliberate act has caused irreparable damage to already declining vulture populations and underscores the growing and devastating impact of poisoning on South Africa’s critically endangered vulture populations.
A bird and a croc at Sunset Dam.
Together with expert toxicologist and director of the Griffon Poison Information Centre, Dr. Gerhard Verdoorn and Dr. Peet Venter, samples have been collected and will be submitted for toxicological testing to identify the poison used and support possible legal action. These incidents wipe out critical scavengers, disrupt ecosystems, remove vital biodiversity, and undermine decades of conservation efforts. They also highlight the need for urgent collaboration.
“The scale of this poisoning is devastating and appears to be part of a much bigger, targeted operation. With multiple incidents taking place in various regions across the Lowveld recently, we suspect they are aimed at distracting us from a bigger and even more devastating event in the near future. We are calling on the government and the national vulture poisoning working group to address the crisis before it is too late,” said Kerri Wolter, CEO of Vulpro. “To lose this number of vultures, let alone breeding birds during breeding season, is an ecological crisis. We are genuinely terrified of what is going to occur next.” With no body parts taken, Wolter confirms this latest slaughter does not look as if it is related to muthi.
The hadada ibis or hadeda is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four-note calls in flight, especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. We often hear these at dusk.
In response to this incident and the growing frequency of poisoning cases, Vulpro is appealing to all rehabilitation centres to stop releasing vultures in the area until such threats are thoroughly investigated and mitigated.
This mass poisoning highlights the urgent need for coordinated conservation action, as it is impossible to be everywhere, all the time. Vulpro formalised a long-standing partnership with Wild and Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, based in Hectorspruit, just days ago. Together, the two organisations have established a vulture emergency response unit in Mpumalanga, delivering:
• Rapid on-site field response to poisoning and injury cases
• Expert veterinary care at Wild and Free’s on-site clinic
• Long-term rehabilitation and monitored releases through Vulpro’s national programme with support from conservation groups, @wewildafrica, and @overandaboveafrica, this initiative links veterinary expertise, field operations, and conservation strategy across provincial boundaries, unified in the mission to stop vulture extinction.
A lone wildebeest.
“This is not just about one event. It is a systemic threat to our natural balance,” Wolter said. “We are fighting for every egg, every nest, and every vulture’s future. We will hold the line through science, integrity, and collaboration.”
Investigations remain ongoing.
We want to thank the team on the ground for their tireless and emotional work decontaminating the scene and preventing secondary poisoning of other wildlife.
The general public often thinks little of vultures and their ugly appearance, but as the above article explains, vultures are an integral part of the ecosystem and the preservation of wildlife. Why thugs would perpetrate such a heinous event is beyond comprehension. We can only hope and pray that these criminals can be caught and punished.
On Saturday, we’re heading to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to begin our two-day journey to the US. We are not looking forward to the travel days; instead, we are looking forward to getting there and seeing family and friends.
Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 20, 2015:

The pounding high tide surf over a rock formation jutting from the cliffs in Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii. For more photos, please click here.

Part 4…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…A bloat of hippos and babies…Unusual facts about hippos…

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Hippos and crocodiles seem to get along well. Notice the croc near the adult hippo.

Unusual Facts About Hippos: Nature’s Unexpected Oddballs

With barrel-shaped bodies and seemingly sluggish demeanor, hippopotamuses might appear like oversized river cows, lazily basking in the water. But don’t let their sleepy expressions fool you. These massive mammals are full of surprises—some amusing, others downright bizarre. From their physiology to their social lives, hippos are anything but ordinary. Here are some of the most unusual facts about hippos that might change the way you see them.

Mom and two babies were lounging on Sunset Dam’s shore.

1. They Produce Their Natural Sunscreen

One of the strangest things about hippos is their ability to secrete a reddish, oily substance often called “blood sweat.” Despite the name, it’s neither blood nor sweat. This secretion acts as sunscreen and an antibiotic, protecting their sensitive skin from the harsh African sun and infections. The reddish hue may also help camouflage them in muddy water, though the science on that is still speculative.

One adult hippo appears to maintain “watch” while the others rest.

2. They Can’t Swim

Yes, they spend most of their lives in the water, but here’s the catch: hippos can’t swim in the traditional sense. Instead of paddling like other aquatic animals, they move by bouncing off the riverbed. They sink because of their dense bodies and move gracefully underwater by pushing themselves off the bottom in a sort of moonwalk motion. It’s like underwater parkour (Parkour (French: [paʁkuʁ]) is an athletic training discipline or sport in which practitioners attempt to get from one point to another in the fastest and most efficient way possible, without assisting equipment), hippo-style.

3. Hippos Are Surprisingly Fast—And Dangerous

Despite their enormous size (up to 3,500 pounds for males), hippos can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (about 19 mph) on land for short distances. That’s faster than most humans can sprint. And in the water, they can outmaneuver boats. Combine that speed with aggression, and you get one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Hippos are responsible for more human deaths in Africa annually than lions, elephants, or crocodiles.

Often, various birds hang around with hippos.

4. They Mark Territory With a Unique “Tail-Spin” Technique

Hippos are quite literal when it comes to marking their territory. They defecate while spinning their tails rapidly, spraying feces in a wide radius to mark boundaries or communicate with others. It’s messy and bizarre, but it’s also a very effective signaling method in the dense vegetation of riverbanks.

5. They Communicate Above and Below Water—At the Same Time

Hippos are incredibly vocal and communicate using grunts, bellows, and wheezes. But what’s mind-blowing is that they can make sounds that travel simultaneously through air and water. This means one hippo can “talk” to another, both above and below the water’s surface simultaneously, an incredibly rare ability in the animal kingdom.

It’s a rare treat to see hippos out of the water.

6. They’re More Closely Related to Whales Than You Might Think

Though they look like pigs or cows, hippos are actually the closest living relatives to whales and dolphins. They share a common ancestor from about 55 million years ago. This evolutionary link is supported by similarities in skull structure, social behavior, and even the composition of the blood sweat mentioned earlier.

One mom was taking a break from the bloat.

7. They Nurse Underwater

Baby hippos are born underwater and can nurse while submerged. Calves instinctively close their ears and nostrils and latch onto their mothers while floating or resting on the river bottom. It’s an adaptation that allows them to stay safe and hidden in their aquatic environment while still getting the nutrition they need.

They are sniffing for possible food finds.

From underwater moonwalking to crimson sunblock and high-speed chases, hippos are an amazing mix of mystery, muscle, and mischief. Often underestimated and misunderstood, they’re one of nature’s most unusual creatures—living proof that you can’t judge a book (or a hippo) by its cover.

Let the hippo remind us that even the slowest-looking animals might be hiding some seriously wild secrets just beneath the surface.

Two moms and babies

Most often, when on game drives (safaris), we only see hippos in the water. Having the opportunity to spend time watching them on land is entertaining and enriching, and we are grateful for the experience.

It seems the bloat has increased in size.

Seeing these hippos reminded us both of the first time we saw hippos in the wild when we first arrived in the Maasai Mara, in Kenya, in October 2013. We couldn’t resist sharing these hippo photos we took in the first hour we were in the Mara. See below:

Anderson, our safari guide, took us on an unplanned 90-minute safari rather than wait at the airstrip for another couple to arrive on a later flight. This was one of the first photos we took along the Mara River. Our tent is on the river’s banks where the hippos will awaken us with their hysterical morning calls. We couldn’t believe our eyes or our ears. See the post here.
We could sit for hours and watch the hippos’ antics. Their lethargic movements and playful personalities are a pleasure to behold. See the post here.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 19, 2015:

On our final days in Kauai, we spotted almost neon-colored flowers on a walk. For more photos, please click here.

Part 3…Outstanding day in Kruger National Park…Tower of power…

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Just like that, a tower of giraffes appeared on the road, leaving us exhilarated and enthused to witness these majestic animals again in the wild. To avoid scaring them off, we had to maintain our position on the road and film most of today’s shots through the windshield.

A grouping of giraffes is called a “tower,” which is the reason for today’s heading. Although we spotted seven giraffes in this tower, we could only photograph three or four simultaneously, as they wandered off and onto the road.

Giraffes may seem gentle and graceful with their long necks and slow strides, but don’t be fooled. These towering herbivores are surprisingly strong and powerful animals. Beneath their elegant appearance lies a combination of muscular strength, defensive power, and anatomical efficiency that allows them to survive and thrive in the wilds of Africa.

She was either cleaning herself or getting rid of an annoying insect.

Let’s start with one of the most striking features of the giraffe: its neck. The average adult giraffe’s neck is around six feet long and can weigh up to 600 pounds. Despite its length, a giraffe’s neck has the same number of vertebrae as most mammals—seven—but each vertebra is significantly elongated and supported by powerful muscles and ligaments. These muscles aren’t just for holding the neck upright; they play a key role in one of the giraffe’s primary forms of defense and dominance: necking.

Still can’t get rid of that annoying insect!

Necking is a form of combat between male giraffes where they swing their necks like sledgehammers, using their heavy skulls to strike their opponent. These blows can be powerful enough to knock down or even seriously injure a rival. Observers of giraffe fights often describe the sound of impact as loud and startling, a testament to the force these animals can generate. The winner of such contests earns mating rights with nearby females, so strength really does equal survival in this case.

They often show affection for one another.

Beyond their necks, giraffes possess powerful legs, especially their hind legs, capable of delivering a deadly kick. A single well-placed giraffe kick can crush a predator’s skull like a lion’s. Giraffes are known to kill lions with these kicks, and this natural defense mechanism makes adult giraffes a risky target for even the most formidable predators. Their legs are weapons and tools for speed: giraffes can run up to 35 miles per hour over short distances. However, they generally prefer a slower, energy-efficient pace to conserve stamina.

Standing on the road, always on guard for potential predators.

Regarding raw physicality, giraffes must be strong to support their size. Adult males can grow to nearly 18 feet tall and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. A giraffe has an exceptionally strong heart to pump blood from the heart to the brain, over six feet upward. It weighs up to 25 pounds and can pump blood at twice the pressure of a human heart. This high blood pressure is necessary to maintain brain function, especially when the giraffe suddenly raises or lowers its head.

The giraffe’s strength is not just muscular or mechanical—it’s also evolutionary. Their height and strength allow them to reach food that other herbivores can’t, reducing competition and allowing them access to leaves high in the treetops. Their long tongues—up to 18 inches—are tough and prehensile, capable of wrapping around and stripping leaves from thorny branches, like those of the acacia tree.

We weren’t in a hurry to leave. As we always acknowledge, “This is their house, not ours, and we are merely curious visitors.”

So, how strong are giraffes? They’re strong enough to defend themselves against lions, strong enough to fight each other in brutal battles for dominance, strong enough to run quickly despite their size, and strong enough to circulate blood to their heads without fainting. Their strength isn’t loud or flashy—it’s quiet, efficient, and built into every part of their being.

In the animal kingdom, strength doesn’t always look like a roaring lion or a charging rhino. Sometimes, it seems like a calm, towering creature grazing peacefully—until it’s time to show how powerful it is.

Side by side…

Spotting these giraffes on the road was a delightful experience as we continued our day trip through Kruger National Park. We encountered one treasured sighting after another, leaving us with memories of a well-spent day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, May 18, 2015:

The expansive lawn of a cottage located on Hanalei Bay was used to make the movie, The Descendants. For more photos, please click here.