wildlife – Page 133 – Christian Sperka Photography

2014-09-152014-09-15

A Leopard and his Tracks

The main job of Thanda’s expert trackers is to find and interpret the signs which animals leave when they move through the bush. Foot imprints, droppings/dung , broken branches, depressed grass and cut leaves lying around the ground are only a few of these marks. Thanda guests are always fascinated to see how our Zulu trackers are able to pick up these signs.

This collage shows one of Thanda’s beautiful Leopard males and very visible Leopard footprints. Unfortunately most of the time the tracks are not that clear and obvious 🙂

2014-09-10

Constant argument!

Baboons have a lot of arguments. Especially the young ones are constantly busy with playful fighting.

I enjoy watching them as long as they stay out of my room 🙂

2014-09-042014-09-04

Well protected!

What a surprise when I arrived at Pakamisa Private Game Reserve this afternoon!

These little Ostrich chicks were on a walk-about with their parents when I got to take these pictures.

The Ostrich mom and dad were very alert to ensure that nothing would harm there young ones. I used a long lens and kept my distance 🙂

2014-08-24

Airborne

No words – just enjoy the images 🙂

2014-08-20

Summer is on the way!

The last few days Thanda guests enjoyed summer temperatures, making good use of the pools at the Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and the Villa iZulu.

The Thanda Elephants did the same, enjoying a mid-day drink and bath. As always an impressive sight!

2014-08-17

Hyenas, Horses and a Sunset

Just before I went off work for seven days I was able to participate in a Hyena capture operation (five Hyenas were to be transferred to another game reserve).

Then I spent a few days at Pakamisa enjoying a bit of riding, excellent company and superb food! It was great that Magdel and Warren from Thanda were able to join me at Pakamisa for a one night stay. This picture shows all of us leaving the stables for a morning ride.

Isabella took this group picture of me, Badger and the warthogs 🙂

I also did a “romantic drinks at sundown” photo shoot. I like the results.

2014-08-022014-08-01

Just right!

Sometimes an image is just right!
I titled this one: Give me patience …
It is one of my favourite 2014 images.

2014-07-31

A Thanda Sunrise! – No words needed :-)

2014-07-30

Silly face and memorable moment!

Well, I usually try not to publish pictures of me making silly faces. But this one I have to post. While I was at a Cheetah interaction this week I tried to demonstrate to my guests how close you can get to these beautiful cats. But this Cheetah male decided I needed to be smacked for my daring. No harm done, but it was a great laugh for all the people watching.

A memorable moment with a silly face 🙂

PS: Thanks Grasie for taking this great picture – even with my silly face in it!

2014-07-27

Imagine …

… you are sitting quietly in the bush and watching six little Lion cubs playing all around you. Well that is the experience we had on today’s evening game drive. While the adult Lions were sleeping soundly in the thick bush little ones moved about, climbed trees, stalked one another and ran around like all small kittens do.

This picture is my favourite shot from this magic encounter! The little Lion on the left got interested in the clicking of my camera and posed for a portrait.