There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Beverly Joubert: " Many emotions are stirred when staring into the eyes of a lion. For some – like the farmers who live alongside these animals – it’s a feeling of fear and dread for their safety and that of their livestock. Others see opportunity – a chance to harvest the animals for their bones or skin to feed a grisly illegal market. For many, a close-up lion encounter evokes excitement and further instills in them a sense of respect for these vital predators.
I see hope in the eyes of lions. Hope that we can one day overcome the burgeoning threats that are pushing the species towards extinction; hope that Africa’s wild spaces will once again be home to a significant number of these big cats rather than the 20-odd thousand that remain today; hope that lions will not lose their resilience in the face of a cruel world; and hope that we will always be able to look into the eyes of lions and know that they are safe. "
Dereck Joubert:" Lions adapt quickly … and so should the filmmakers hoping to capture their predatory tactics. “Okavango: River of Dreams – Divine Journey” is a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Okavango series. Check your local National Geographic listings. "
Chobe National Park, Botswana. That big and solitary lion just found a carcass of a young elephant, under trees along the Chobe River, and started eating it. "
Beverly Joubert:" A vigilant mom. With her cubs distracted by the compulsive playfulness of youth, this lioness must keep a close eye on her surroundings. Experience has taught her that threats can come in many forms and her offspring are at a vulnerable age. Rival predators or opportunistic scavengers could be lurking nearby and her protective instinct is on high alert. "
Lisa Antell:" Big male (Chiefs coalition male?) in Moremi Concession near Mombo Camp was squiring a young lioness who was trying to slip away to return to her pride (possibly the Piajo Pride?) after honeymooning with him. July 2019, Mombo Camp Botswana "
Dereck Joubert:" An important goal for us with the Okavango series was to allow the wild inhabitants of this incredible place to ‘tell’ its story. We wanted to bring the characters right up close … to allow the viewer to look into their eyes and get an intimate glimpse of what it’s like to be a lioness like Fekeetsa. What are her challenges, her motivations … what’s at stake for her? “Okavango: River of Dreams – Divine Journey” is a special behind-the-scenes look at how this story came to life. Check your local National Geographic listings. "
Valentin Pacaut:" Big male lion in Mababe depression
Chobe National Park, Botswana .This big guy is watching at another young male looking for his own territory. They will get closer and will try to intimidate each other. The young one will finally leave. "
SEKEKAMA, THE WARRIOR'S REST!
11th August 2019
"Just arrived in Savuti. We find a dead buffalo left uneaten on the road. It's on the boundaries of both prides, the Marsh pride with Sekekama and his brother and the queen Motsumi, and the North pride, Sekekama's 3 sons. They all claim the prey. Next morning Charlie tells us there has been a fight during the night and we go to check the buffalo area. We find Sekekama resting. He has the signs of the battle on his face. The Colossal King looks less colossal. His 3 sons are winning the territorial war. Sekekama is getting old but still fighting. Stubborn warrior."
#Savuti #Botswana #ThelegendSekekama
By: Monica On Safari
Valentin Pacaut:" When a pride of about 30 lions finds a dead elephant
Okavango delta, Botswana.The pride found a dead elephant earlier, under a tree, and have started to eat it. Some of them at the back, others at the front, some on the body. An unbelievable scene! "
Okavango delta, Botswana When a pride of about 30 lions finds a dead elephant! The pride found a dead elephant earlier, under a tree, and have started to eat it. Some of them at the back, others at the front, some on the body. An unbelievable scene! This lioness took the trunk and did not let anyone approach! "
Valentin Pacaut:" Young lion laying on an elephant
Okavango delta, Botswana. . . What a surprise when we met these 30 lions eating a dead elephant. Right after eating, this young boy jumped on the elephant for a digestive nap! "
