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 EVENING POST – BELOW EYE LEVEL

I was shopping in town today and on my way home I made short detour onto the Thanda Safari Savanna before returning to Thanda House.

I encountered this Elephant bull who patiently posed for a ‘below eye level ‘ sunset shot. I just had to open the door of my SUV and to lean down a bit to get the correct angle. Taken with my iPhone 😊

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE MORNING POST – uMkhulu and uGogo

In the Zulu language these two words represent grandfather and grandmother, but they also mean old and revered man and old and revered woman. When looking at Thanda Safari’s Elephants than these two individuals deserve these ‘titles’.

One of the two largest bulls around 50 years old and Thanda’s oldest Elephant lady approximately the same age. A few days ago I caught them together in one picture striding along with the herd.

Enjoy your day 😊

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE EVENING POST – UGLY BUT HUGE

They are a bit ugly but huge – Marabou Storks – I spotted this one two days ago on Thanda – a member of the UGLY FIVE 😊

Have a good weekend!

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE MORNING POST – MUDDY FEET

I like this picture of an Nyala family with muddy feet on a cool, overcast day!

Enjoy your day 😊

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE EVENING POST – CHEETAH AND THE CLEANUP CREW

Midday today I heard on the reserve radio that our two Cheetah boys had killed an Impala near Thanda House. I went out in my SUV to have a look. This is footage I took at this interesting sighting. The two males were feeding on the carcass while many scavenging birds were waiting for their turn.

Pied Crows, a Tawny Eagle, White-backed Vultures, Lapped-faced Vultures and a huge Marabou Stork were waiting for the Cheetahs to leave the remains of the Impala behind after finishing their meal. I stayed for almost an hour before I had to leave the scene for a short meeting.

When I returned thirty minutes later on my way home the Cheetah had left and the scavengers had already cleaned up most of the remains. The bush cleanup crew at work! PS: This morning’s post’s bird was a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill.

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE EVENING POST – MARCH OF THE ELEPHANTS BY ROOT

This is the fifth video with music from the album ‘Under the Marula Tree’ by ROOT, a local band. It features some of my pictures and videos taken at Thanda Safari.

The music is composed to symbolize African nature icons (eg sunrises, Lions, Elephants, …). This very special album is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer for streaming and download! https://root.hearnow.com/

All ROOT videos are available on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXQv3FdJsIERJHHKt0rX2w

Enjoy the March of the Elephants 😊

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

#rootunderthemarulatree

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THE MORNING POST – IMPRESSIVE

This is a Cape Buffalo portrait I shot yesterday evening. This bull had mudded his horns to look more impressive and intimidating. I am not sure it worked 😊

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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THE EVENING POST – DRINKS AT SUNSET

After a day in the office I decided to spend an hour before sunset at Mgankla dam. It was very quiet at the waterhole so I decided to listen to an audio book. After about 30 minutes all by myself I heard a slight rumble. It was the start of a large herd of Cape Buffalo arriving for evening drinks.

This is my favorite picture from this evening taken with my iPhone.

Have a good evening.

#Christiansperkaphotography @christiansperkaphotography #thandasafari @thandasafari

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