Birds of a feather...

For those of you who followed our Barn Owls story, you might be dying to hear how they are doing.  Our little chicks are all grown-up and starting to gain the birds of prey instinct that we so diligently have tried to expose them to.  

We see this when they receive food.  Whenever we start feeding them they start hissing and stamping their feet aggressively.  This is a sign of dominance as they would usually take the mice that they catch and beat them on the ground with their claws until they die.  This is a very gruesome way of killing but we must remember that these are wild birds of prey which can become just as violently aggressive as a predator such as a lion.  They also swing their heads from side to side to try and intimidate those around.  It is a very interesting process to watch as they brutally attack their food without mercy.  And yet they do it so gracefully and beautiful that it’s hard to look away. 

They have become more beautiful by the day and now look like fully grown adult Barn Owls.  The only difference is that they are a little smaller in size than a fully grown owl.

 They have much fuller rounder faces now with that perfect heart shape

All their down has gone, now it’s only the beautiful brown, grey and white soft feathers that remain.

On your next visit to Ubizane, feel free to ask us about the progress of the owls!

Rehabilitating Tiban:

If you have been following Ubizane Wildlife Reserve’s Blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts, you will be somewhat familiar with the story of Tiban, our rescued Warthog. For those of you who are new to the Ubizane family, Tiban was found along our fence line when he was just a few weeks old and weighing less than a kilogram, abandoned by his mother he was a bundle of nerves and  very wary of humans. Tiaan, one of our General Managers managed to rescue him and bring him back to the lodge, where the hand rearing process begun. 

At 11 months old Tiban is now maturing into a healthy, boisterous male warthog, and we have decided to begin a rehabilitation process, so that he can eventually be released back into the wild where he belongs. 

Due to warthog’s extreme sensitivity to poor grazing conditions he is being kept in a large enclosure until the rainy season starts again. 

Tiban is constantly taken for walks in the bush to give him as much exposure as possible to the outside conditions, as well as opportunities to graze in his natural environment. As soon as Tiban seems comfortable enough in his natural environment, he will be taken to a central area of the reserve, away from buildings and people and released to fend for himself. 

 Tiban has become part of the family in more ways than one, with his friendly grunts and mischievous games; and as much as we would like to keep him forever it was always our intention to release him back into the wild; where he belongs! His cheerful little face, and trail of muddy hoof print will forever be missed here at Ubizane, but he will never be forgotten, as he touched each and everyone’s heart in his own special way.  

Splish Splash...

As many of you may know our ostriches have really become part of the family, quite literally. However, we were really surprised as to what one female got up to the other day.

 On Monday the 30^th one of our guests was enjoying a relaxing mid afternoon swim, and didn’t think much of the curious Ostrich’s presence (Those of you who have been to Ubizane know that the ostriches are very inquisitive and are forever milling in everyone’s business).  This time however it seemed it was more than mere curiosity that drew the Ostrich closer and closer to the edge of the pool.  

Clearly the heat had gotten to the Ostrich as well, and she boldly took a step forward and landed with a splash into the pool at Safari Lodge. After a casual swim to the steps of the pool, the drenched ostrich elegantly climbed out the pool and casually strolled away, as if nothing was wrong. This I’m sure you can imagine left our guest in amazement!  

Even though the ostrich may have a brain smaller than its eyeball, it clearly has enough brain capacity to realize when it is getting hot, and that the pool is an ideal place to cool off. Our only concern is that if the ostriches are taking a dip in winter, what are they going to be doing in summer? 

The Berzack Bat Mitzvah

The celebrations began on Friday, with family members from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia and all over South Africa arriving throughout the day. After welcome drinks, some enjoyed a relaxing afternoon while others had an educational trip to Emdoneni, the cheetah sanctuary. After freshening up, everyone reunited at Tree Lodge where they had Shabbat and prayers followed by a short welcome speech before a kosher buffet dinner was served.

Saturday commenced with the family gathering by the pool at Safari Lodge, where refreshments were served. The typical dry winter backdrop was brought to life by the eventful flurry of children and elegantly set tables, adding an entertaining atmosphere to the early afternoon’s pre-celebration.  

A quick game of baseball entertained both the spectators and players, working up a healthy appetite before lunch.

A delicious cold lunch was served alongside one of the many watering holes we have surrounding Safari Lodge. The bare weather stricken branches provided sufficient shade as the family enjoyed the buffet style lunch of Brisket, Cold Meat, Salads and a selection of Fruit. 

Zulu dancers provided a truly South African experience with their beating drums and traditional costumes. After a short demonstration of their refined skills, the dancers selected members from the somewhat astonished audience to join in and truly experience Africa first hand by participating in a traditional Zulu dance. The younger family members proved to be truly remarkable, with their eagerness and uncanny flexibility, and at times even giving the Zulu dancers a run for their money.

The main celebration took place in the Boma, where tranquil candles lead the way to a welcoming fire in the centre. Blue lanterns, candles and serviettes added a splash of colour to the Boma that was warmly lit with soft fairy lights that gently draped the surrounding walls of the Boma. 

The guests soon arrived and before long they came sweeping into the Boma, in their elegant attire gathering around the crackling fire, warming up before celebrations begin. After all the formalities, a lovely montage of a beautiful girl, who has now become a woman, was viewed. After which every one loosened up on the dance floor, before enjoying a kosher buffet dinner. 

The toasting of marshmallows over a sizzling fire drew the night to a close and a beautiful evening shared between family and friends, who united under an African sky to mark such a special occasion came to an end.