THE STORY OF “BEN” THE ELEPHANT

ONE QUIET MORNING AT BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE ON LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE…..

THERE APPEARED AT THE STAFF VILLAGE WHAT LOOKED LIKE AN ELEPHANT HAVING DIFFICULTY WALKING AND SEEMED TO BE IN TREMENDOUS PAIN.

ALTHOUGH THERE WAS MORE COMMOTION AS PEOPLE GATHERED TO SEE HIM, HE LAY DOWN AND RESTED.

WITH A DEGREE OF URGENCY, A VETERINARY SURGEON DR RICHARD HOARE WAS CONTACTED, AND WAS FLOWN IN FROM HARARE ON A SMALL BUSH PLANE.

AFTER A BRIEF ASSESSMENT HE ANAESTHETISED THE ELEPHANT, AND GAVE THE WOUND A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND TREATMENT.

IT APPEARED HE HAD A GUNSHOT WOUND ON HIS UPPER SHOULDER

AND TWO HOLES IN HIS EAR, BELIEVED TO BE FROM ANOTHER SHOOTING INCIDENT.

A RADIO COLLAR WAS FITTED TO BE ABLE TO FIND HIM TO MONITOR HIS RECOVERY.

WITH HAVING ADMINISTERED THE NECESSARY DRUGS AND TOPICAL OINTMENTS TO SPEED UP RECOVERY THE REVERSAL DRUG WAS GIVEN.

SINCE TREATMENT BEN HAS NOT STRAYED FAR FROM THE LODGE AND HIS OVERALL LOCOMOTION IS IMPROVING

FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION THE QUESTION WAS WHAT DO WE NAME HIM?.

WITH THIS IN MIND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE HOUSEKEEPER NAMED BEN GANYA HAD SPOTTED THE ELEPHANT AND HAD REPORTED IT.

BEN GANYA IS FROM MAREMBERA VILLAGE IN MOLA, A SMALL SETTLEMENT WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE BUMI HILLS.

HE HAS BEEN WORKING AT BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE SINCE 1979.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The crocodile eating Lion of Bumi Hills

The “Bumi Boys” seen yesterday, along the Bumi Hills Safari lodge shoreline.

Having naturally dispersed from their parent pride in Matusadona national park on lake kariba, these two young males have made it a regular incidence along the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge shoreline, where they frequently kill and eat large crocodile.

“Dinner for two”

Lion kill crocodile

On an african safari most guests get to see some amazing wildlife sightings and some will experience the “most unique” and not often seen.

This large crocodile had been killed and eaten by the resident lions in the area. Measuring 13ft 6″ is the length of a medium size fishing boat

With an ever decreasing supply of game, the lion in the Matusadona, Bumi Hills area have adapted their prey to include the Nile Crocodile.

Puncture marks can be clearly seen in the throat area. The Lion kill by strangulation using their powerfull jaws to block the air intake.

Safeguarding his meal from the awaiting vultures.

 

Buffalo battle on an african safari

It is said “When southern africa’s Cape Buffalo clash horns, it is the equivalent to a car hitting a brick wall at fifty kilometres an hour”.

 

At the age of ten the Cape Buffalo Bull has an increase in his testosterone which peaks over 300% above normal blood testosterone levels. This enables him to fight for rank and thus gain breeding right’s.

The Buffalo bull within the structure of the herd needs to fight to establish rank within the herd. When on the move the Buffalo Bulls position themselves depending on rank. The Herd Bulls of high rank “Breeding Bulls” will situate at the front and to the side, whilst the subordinate bulls situate at the rear.

There is clear reason for this which is primarily to access the best grazing and thus maintain condition. This is especially relevant during the dry season when there is a drastic shortage of good grazing and browse of good nutritional value.

The high ranking breeding bulls are mainly the older Buffalo, as they will be big bodied enough to win fights. these are typically between the age’s of 10-13 years of age. By walking at the front they get good nutrition and so will maintain a better physical condition.

When the buffalo cow comes into season, she will play “hard to get” so as to ensure that only the Bulls with the best gene’s procreate with her.

While on their african safari, the guests with me never thought they’d get to see something so unique, although neither did I.

Cape Buffalo in the Heat of Battle In Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Bloodied, exhausted and willing to go on.

From the age of 13, the bulls tire physically. Known as “Dagga Boys” they suffer from mite’s, ticks and other infestations so will tend to bathe in mud for relief.

Dagga is an Ndebele name for mud.

They typically leave the herd and thus will live singly or within small batchelor groups. The young herd bulls will often leave the breeding herds from age 8 and will join the Dagga boys to regain physical stength and condition to be able to once again fight for rank as the day to day life continues of a Buffalo Bull in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.