Out of the Jurisdiction: Leopard in Motswari

Here is the fifth and last of the Big Five.  Watching this leopard was the highlight of four days of South African game drives for me.

This three year old leopard had killed an impala and then struggled with wild dogs and hyenas over the carcass.  Eventually the leopard dragged the impala into this tree so the other predators couldn't steal it. 

I am scheduled to depart tomorrow, but will probably need a day or two to get organized before I post Hartford photos again.  Thanks for visiting while I have been away.

Out of the Jurisdiction: Rhinos

Rhinoceros, her baby, and a red-billed oxpecker, the little bird that rides the back of big animals and grooms them.

Poachers are killing rhinos at a frightening pace.  Their horns are prized in China and Vietnam.  They are ground into powder for their imagined aphrodisiac properties.  Even though the South African army has assigned troops to protect them, some experts predict that rhinos will be extinct within five years.  Lunacy!

Out of the Jurisdiction: Baby Elephant

We were fortunate to see scores of elephants, including this photogenic baby elephant, during twice-daily game drives at the Motswari Game Preserve.

Motswari is part of the Timbavati Game Preserve, a group of private preserves adjoining the Kruger National Park.  The land owners in Timbavati have removed their fences so game can roam more freely over a much larger territory.

Out of the Jurisdiction: Buffalo

In African safaris, the Big Five are lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and leopard.  Here is #2, a herd of buffalo at a watering spot at the Motswari game preserve.

If you like photos with reflections, click here.

Out of the Jurisdiction: Lion in Motswari

This young lion was one of three standing 10 yards feet from our vehicle.  They spotted four warthogs and took off out of sight.

Last week we were in the Motswari game preserve at the northeastern corner of South Africa, adjoining the Kruger National Park.

Carousel 4

Horses aren't the only animals on carousels.

There are zebras.

And cats and giraffes.

 And cows.

The tour of the carousel museum is finished for now. 
Tomorrow some photos from my trip will begin.

Carousel 3

Carousel Museum, Bristol, Connecticut

I intended to take good notes about these carousel horses.  There is a road paved with best intentions . . .

Sorry, folks.  I am traveling and probably won't have time to look at your blogs until my return in May.  But, I will read every one of your comments, so please continue to visit.