Author: Christian Sperka

Christian Sperka is a wildlife photographer based at Thanda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Over the last 11 years, Christian has traveled the world photographing animals in wild game reserves of South Africa and Namibia, the jungles of Costa Rica, in Yellowstone National Park in the USA, as well as zoos in Europe and the United States. His work has been featured in wildlife magazines, in books and in many zoo publications. He actively supports wild cat conservation, working as a partner photographer for Panthera, the world's leading organization devoted to the conservation of all wild cat species (panthera.org). From 2009 to 2012 he has worked as the official photographer and photography teacher at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Tennessee, USA (nashvillezoo.org). Christian is also a qualified South African field guide. He now works as specialist photography guide on Thanda Private Game Reserve in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa (thanda.com).
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THE MORNING POST – COLORS

There are many colorful creatures on Earth but when it comes to subtle variations and delicate nuisances Lilac-breasted Rollers are one of the winners. Two days ago this beautiful bird remained still for long enough for me to take this portrait.

Enjoy the colors!

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE EVENING POST – A QUIET DRIVE

This afternoon’s game drive was very quiet with only a very few sightings. But I got rewarded at the end with a beautiful sunset, Giraffes, Impalas, Wildebeest, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills and Crowned Lapwings, all on the Thanda Savanna.

Enjoy your evening 😊

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE MORNING POST – WINTER RAIN

It is the first time since my arrival in South Africa – over eight years ago – that we had rain in June. The over 50mm (about 2″) are very welcome.

For a little while there will be water puddles all over the reserve which the smaller creatures use to quench their thirst and the large ones, like this Cape Buffalo Bull, often use for a cooling mud bath on a hot day. I ran into this impressive Dugga boy during last night’s game drive. Dugga boy is a local term for a single old Buffalo bull which is no longer moving with the herd but stay by himself.

Have a good week!

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE EVENING POST – WORLD GIRAFFE DAY 2020

Nowadays there are days for all kinds of occasions. Well, today is World Giraffe Day and I thought I share some of my Giraffe pictures with you.

Happy long neck day!

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE MORNING POST – TREE ICE CREAM

Elephants love to eat the inside layer of the bark of trees. This is the ‘transport system’ which trees use to move nutrients and water from the roots to the branches and leaves. Judging by the gusto Ellies enjoy the phloem (transport layer) it must be as desirable to Elephants as ice cream is to me 😊

Have a good Sunday!

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE EVENING POST – AGITATED

My favorite Owl picture of an Eurasian Eagle Owl being a bit upset 😊.

Enjoy your evening!

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE MORNING POST – ELEPHANT PARADE

This is my favorite Thanda Safari Elephant video clip which I took a while ago. I am not sure if I ever shared it with you. Well, here it is (maybe again 😊).

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE EVENING POST – MUDDY HORN

This is one of my favorite Rhino images – Have a good weekend 😊

PS: … and thank you very much for all the kind birthday wishes …

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE MORNING POST – PLAYTIME

This is a short video clip of two little Elephants during playtime at the Thanda House Dam.

Have a good day 😊

#Thandasafari @thandasafari

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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THE EVENING POST – GROUNDED

I have only seen these incredible creatures a few times but Southern Ground Hornbills are one of my favorite large bird species.

These vocal birds occasionally use their wattles to make booming calls which can be so loud, that they are sometimes mistaken for a Lion’s roar 🦁.

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography

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