This Week at Angama #369

In the dead of night, the Angama lioness made her way up the Oloololo escarpment, seeking a meal. She ambushed the resident zebra stallions, latching onto one and leaving a deep wound on his tail before he miraculously escaped. Since the attack, the trio has been noticeably skittish, even around their usual human friends — still shaken from the terrifying encounter.

Having lived within the safe confines of the lodge and its surroundings, these stallions likely never expected to face a predator up close. But we couldn’t let our longtime friend suffer with his injury. Angama's security team, led by Mr John Wayongo, quickly contacted the Mara Conservancy vet team, who responded promptly. After darting the injured stallion, the zebra was carefully cleaned, and the wound was treated to prevent infection.

The procedure was a success, and our beloved regular is now on the road to recovery, surrounded by the warmth and care of the entire Angama family.

We recently spotted the two Kichwa Tembo males, named after their frequently visited area near Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, strolling towards the Mara River. They were in hunting mode as their eyes peered to the horizon, hoping to spot prey. Every now and then, they would walk to a tree, scent mark it, and take advantage of any vantage point.

They found a tree better for scanning and climbed it for a better lookout. But as they say, 'work without play makes Jack a dull boy', so the two brothers commenced a tap-and-run play. The brothers chased each other, a fun behaviour beneficial for further bonding. 

Hyena cubs are born entirely dependent on their mother's milk, which is rich in protein and fat and helps them grow quickly and develop strength. Spotted hyena milk is among the most nutrient-dense in the animal kingdom. Though they can process solid food as early as three months, milk remains their primary diet for much longer.

Sibling rivalry is crucial to cub survival. Dominant cubs secure more of their mother’s milk, while weaker ones may struggle, sometimes leading to undernourishment or starvation. This complex social structure determines which cubs thrive in their challenging environment.

The female saddle-billed stork can be differentiated from the male because she has yellow eyes. Some people remember this by thinking of it as a gold wedding ring. Saddle-billed storks pair for life; this may be why they don’t have colourful breeding plumage or spectacular courtship displays. 

Before eating fish or frogs, the saddle-billed stork will sometimes wash them. They are also known to regurgitate water over their nest and eggs, often in large quantities, to cool the nest, as the storks often build their nests in hot, dry environments. This helps to incubate the eggs. The throw-up of water also serves as a form of communication or bonding between the storks, possibly signalling the health and stability of the nest to the mate. 

This hippo’s lack of external ears results from a rare genetic mutation that has unexpectedly sculpted its features. Yet, here it floats, seemingly at ease. While hippos typically rely on their ears for various cues, listening for splashes or the low rumble of a distant call, this individual has adapted in other ways. Research indicates that hippos possess a keen ability to sense vibrations through their jawbones, allowing them to detect sounds underwater, similar to whales and dolphins. 

Cold-blooded animals need the sun because they cannot regulate their body temperature internally; they rely on their environment to warm up and become active. Hence, this fun ride these turtles took advantage of to absorb the sun.

The two male lions of Kimana Sanctuary form a strong and comfortable duo in this prey-rich environment, where warthogs are abundant.

During an early morning drive, we encountered them resting with full bellies, likely after a successful hunt during the night. Warthogs here are notably large, especially males with impressive tusks, a testament to fierce battles that leave visible scars, especially on Osunash. 

Regarded as the heaviest flying bird native to Africa, male kori bustards can weigh between 7 and 18 kg, while females are significantly smaller. With a wingspan reaching 2.75 meters (9 feet), this is the first time I have seen a kori bustard take off. Surprisingly, this bird did not require a running start before taking off like other large birds because of its powerful leg muscles and strong wing strokes.  

We observed flamingoes resting in the water on a drive to Amboseli National Park. These wonderful birds can lock their leg joints, allowing them to balance effortlessly with minimal effort on one leg with the other tucked beneath their bodies. This behaviour is believed to help conserve body heat, especially when standing in cold water, by reducing the surface area exposed to the elements.

The harsh sun in the African savannah, especially in open habitats, requires wildlife to adapt for protection. Thick skin, fur, feathers, and behaviours like mud-wallowing help prevent sunburn, overheating and possible parasites.

Elephants’ wrinkled skin traps moisture and mud, aiding hydration and shielding against parasites. Despite being up to 2.5 inches thick, their skin is highly sensitive due to numerous nerve endings.

Among Africa’s most iconic antelopes, Thomson's gazelles embody speed, intelligence, and resilience. Often called Tommies, they rely on stamina to outrun predators over long distances, skillfully manoeuvring with sharp zigzag movements.

This relaxed male in Amboseli National Park stood still, unfazed by our presence, allowing us to capture stunning low-angle shots against the sky's backdrop. 

A leopard tortoise made for an exciting sighting at the end of one of our drives as we returned to camp. As one of Africa’s largest tortoise species, it is easily recognised by its striking yellow and black patterned shell, resembling a leopard’s spots. — Robert Sayialel