This Week at Angama #362

The lions may be crowned kings of the jungle, but in the savannah, elephants reign supreme, and they make sure everyone knows it. During a recent safari drive in Kimana Sanctuary, we witnessed one of nature's most electrifying encounters. The two resident male lions, Male 263 and Osunash, were lounging with the regal confidence only lions can muster when they found themselves on the wrong side of an elephant herd.

With ears flared, trunks raised, and a chorus of trumpeting, the elephants charged forward in an undeniable show of strength. The lions, caught off guard, scrambled to retreat, their so-called kingdom reduced to a swirling cloud of dust kicked up by the towering giants.

The guests were mesmerised as we watched nature’s true heavyweights asserting their dominance, a vivid reminder that clichés hold no ground in the wild. These usually calm giants became united and determined to defend their space with unwavering determination.

It was thrilling, humbling, and unlike anything we had seen before. It became crystal clear at that moment: the savannah respects only those who command it. And that day, the elephants left no doubt about who truly rules the land.

Baboons are the comedians of the animal kingdom, and this week, we saw them performing. Two baboons were captured in mid-air in what looks like a dramatic audition for an action movie. Their mock fight is a mix of acrobatics and wrestling, with neither holding back. But these playful matches aren’t just entertaining but essential for social bonding and establishing hierarchy.

For young baboons, play helps develop strength, coordination, and social skills, while older ones often join in to maintain group cohesion. Through these mock fights, trust is built, alliances are strengthened, and tension is diffused, all while sorting out the troop's pecking order. Whether it’s a tug-of-war over a tuft of grass or a mid-air spin, their antics remind us that bonding doesn’t always have to be serious — sometimes, it’s just about having fun.

The diederik cuckoo is a remarkable little green bird. Males have barred flanks, white flecks on their wings, and vibrant red eyes encircled by matching red eye-rings. Females, equally stunning, boast a bronzy-green plumage with a distinctive white patch in front of their eyes and white accents on their wings.

Though not particularly picky about habitat, these cuckoos are often found in riverine and wetland areas. These habitats support an abundance of weavers and bishops, which the cuckoo relies on as hosts for its brood parasitism (relying on other birds to raise their young). 

Bird enthusiasts know the unmistakable call, a series of rising, high-pitched notes that echo through the wilderness: 'deee-deee-deee-deee-dederik.' Guests are encouraged to keep their ears tuned to this unique melody during their stay. Whether perched on a branch or flitting through the foliage, these birds add a melodious charm to the Amboseli lodge. 

Warthogs, members of the pig family, are often misunderstood due to their rugged appearance. However, they are incredibly social and playful creatures. In more fun and games, we spotted two warthogs engaged in a friendly tussle.

These playful activities are common among juveniles or siblings, helping them strengthen bonds and develop survival skills. Head-butting and quickly standing up after a roll help to build their strength and teach essential techniques to practise for real-life situations, like fending off predators or establishing dominance.

Beyond their playful antics, warthogs are remarkable survivors of the African savannah. Known for their unique habit of kneeling on their front knees to graze, they use their strong snouts to dig for roots and tubers.

The thick 'warts' on their faces aren’t just cosmetic — they serve as protective shields during fights or rough play. Despite their seemingly clumsy demeanour, these animals are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 55 km/h, making them difficult targets for predators. —Rio Marvin

Watching birds in the Mara is fascinating, as their movements resemble elaborate dance performances — behaviour linked to communication, courtship, social bonding, and play. Birds, from ostriches to small birds like the pin-tailed whydahs. Their movements involve hopping, bowing, wing-flapping, spinning, or shaking feathers.

The most common reason for birds to dance is to attract a mate. This involves performing elaborate moves that showcase their fitness, health, and genetic quality to females. In the case of the grey-crowned crane, their dance strengthens their bond as they form long-term monogamous partnerships. As we approached them on the road, we stopped to give them way, and they passed with elegance into the evening with feathered choreography.

The Owino Pride, a family of two females and four cubs have been lingering in the Triangle for quite some time now. If you catch them on an early morning drive you will most likely find them basking in the golden light. Perched atop termite mounds, the two lionesses vigilantly scan the surroundings for potential prey, moving strategically from one mound to another as they assess the landscape. 

Not only is the Owino pride making waves but there is also a surge of new life throughout the Triangle. Adding to the excitement, the Egyptian Pride has introduced ten cubs from their dens. Adding to the large pride, there are now five lionesses and twelve cubs — two of whom are slightly older, while the others are about a month old. Cleary thriving under new leadership after previously under the rule of the Inselberg males, these cubs are now sired by the Nyati males, who have firmly established their dominance over this territory. 

Lionesses in a pride often synchronise their birthing to improve their cubs' survival rate in the wild. Their cooperative nature allows them to collectively nurse and care for each other’s cubs, ensuring that all the young receive adequate attention and protection. T

he ten new cubs in this pride likely belong to at least three of the five lionesses, as a typical litter consists of two to four cubs per mother. The number of cubs born to a single lioness can vary depending on her age, health, and environmental conditions like prey availability. 

A giraffe's tongue is an incredible adaption perfectly suited for feeding on fruits and the leaves of thorny acacia trees. Stretching about 45–50cm/ 18–20 inches long, a giraffe's tongue is prehensile, meaning it can grasp and manipulate objects. Like a hand, it wraps around branches, ripping leaves efficiently while avoiding thorns. It is thick with a tough texture and is coated with a protective layer of saliva to resist injuries from thorns and prevent infections. 

Secretary birds are exceptional hunters, particularly skilled at dispatching snakes. Their long legs and powerful kicks are integral to their hunting strategy, allowing them to strike swiftly and forcefully at their prey. They target the snake's head with remarkable precision, crushing its skull with repeated stomps, minimizing the risk of being bitten.

This methodical approach ensures they remain unharmed despite the venomous nature of some of their prey. Once subdued, they either swallow the snake whole or in pieces, depending on its size. Their digestive systems are uniquely adapted to neutralise venom, allowing them to consume even highly venomous snakes without harm. 

As the grass in the Triangle grows taller, the Angama lioness and her two sub-adults have adapted, using low-branching trees to gain a better vantage point for scanning their surroundings. Though slightly clumsy and lacking the agility of fully mature lions, the trio is becoming more accustomed to climbing trees.

The young female, in particular, has shown more skill and ease in this behaviour compared to her heavier male sibling. This tree-climbing trait is one they've learned from their mother, who has likely passed down this survival strategy to her cubs, teaching them the importance of height for better visibility and safety. — Robert Sayialel