- Grevy zebras are a rare and unique breed found in Lewa
On this day, we chose to focus on the two types of zebras found in Lewa. The most familiar is the common zebra but Lewa has a population of one of my favorite animals-the Grevy zebra. They are easily distinguishable from the common zebra by the size and shape of their over-sized ears and the white underbelly. The two types of zebras can be found in a common group as we found just after sunrise.
Grevy zebra on the left, Common zebra on the right
It is not uncommon to find large numbers of zebras following each other to water holes or other places. This morning, we saw about 100 zebras (mixed Grevy and Common) walking across a grass plain.
Long, single file lines of zebras are very common as they make their way to water holes
A frequent behavior of zebras is to take turns rolling in the dust. We sat and watched an endless number of zebras take turns and roll on their backs in the dust before continuing up the slight rise.
Zebras seem to forever love rolling in the dust and take turns like well disciplined school children
Of course, when large numbers of anything get together, the inevitable challenge between males for dominance is a certainty. And on this morning there was no exception as we watched the dominant Grevy chase and nip at its challenger until the challenger was well over the horizon and left to lick its wounds and damaged ego.
Challenges to be the dominant male in the herd are frequent and sometimes repelled with great fervor.
Zebras like virtually every animal we saw in Africa have strong maternal instincts. The Moms are diligent about protecting their foals and routinely position themselves between any threat and their young. Young zebras are targeted by the big cats but are no easy prey.
Young Grevy foal under the protection of its Mother
Of course, crocs are notorious for going after young zebras but today at this waterhole, no crocs were present.
Water is precious to all and water holes become great gathering places-including predators
As soon as the zebras finished their drink, three rhinos appeared. Then a warthog and more all understanding the risk of predators laying in wait.
Rhinos appeared as soon as the zebras finished
Now the the light had become more harsh, we decided to head back to camp passing a herd of elephants that had been to the watering hole just prior to the zebras. We watched for a moment as they stripped bark from trees.
Later this day, we decided to look for leopards that had avoided us so far at Lewa. This day was to be no different but along the way we spotted an unusual colored Reticulated giraffe. Seems this giraffe had more white pigment than others and clearly stood out. We wondered how such a giraffe could survive given the coloration that reduced its ability to camouflage itself from predators. But giraffes often travel in groups and their vantage point, eyesight and lethal kicks serve them well-as we would see first hand later in the day.
An unusually colored Reticulated giraffe with a juvenile
After watching for awhile, we stopped by the marsh and found African crowned cranes lit up by the sun.
Beautiful East African Crown Cranes strolling the marsh
As we watched, we could hear the sound of baboons nearby. We drove into the small woodland. The light was not right for photographing as the shade was dense and the light was from the wrong direction. Nevertheless, we were delighted as the the large group of baboons played with their young.
Large numbers of baboons and their babies entertained us while we took a break from the sun.
Now as the sun was beginning to set, it was time to head for home. Despite not finding the leopards, it had been a glorious day. Little did we know, that one more surprise was still to come.
Withing a mile of our lodge, the light colored Reticulated Giraffe and three others had stopped in their tracks and were focused on a small dark spot in the tall grass. We had see this stare from the giraffes before and knew that a predator was nearby. Suddenly, an explosion of fast fury erupts toward the giraffes and a zebra grazing near by. It was the two young male cheetahs we had seen only yesterday. Youth can be foolish as the zebras had no chance to catch any of the giraffes or the zebras. But it was a spectacular show anyway
Young male cheetahs try to take down a giraffe or zebra to no avail
jAs we celebrate another wonderful day in the bush and feeling that our souls have been nurtured, we reflect back on one special sighting of the day. It was not the biggest or fastest animal. In fact it was the smallest that Joseph miraculously spotted as were driving around. It was a pearl spotted owlet-a bird no larger than my fist.
Pearl spotted owlet was one of many highlights for the day
Our time at Lewa will end soon as we move onto the Northern Mara Conservancy and Serian Ngare tomorrow. But our memories will live on. And there is always the game drive to the airstrip, right?
