Donkey in Kiserian
There are many donkeys in both Kenya and Tanzania. They are used to pull carts and carry heavy loads. It is very distressing to see them in the towns: tied up, overloaded, being beaten and eaten rubbish. A horrible life!
Zebra’s necks get tired after a morning’s grazing so they rest their heads on each others’ backs. The partner zebra then flicks its tail to swat the flies away. Sometimes three or even four zebras partner up like this, giving the impression of a kind of stripy, synchronised, team pose.
Dik diks are the smallest antelopes. They are about 30 – 40 cms tall and live for about 10 years. They whistle when threatened by predators which also warns any other animals in the vicinity. They are hunted to make leather gloves and jewellery.They mate for life but when their partner dies – they immediately find a new one!
Lions will only eat waterbucks if there is absolutely no alternative. This is because of the water buck’s course, hairy hide which give the lions indigestion and hairballs. It’s a tough life!
Maasai do not eat any wild animals such as wildebeest, gazelle, zebra etc. They believe it is beneath their dignity which is a good thing for the wildlife of the Serengeti.
Rock and Tree Hyrax are also known as rock or tree badgers. They live in and around the Kopis (giant rocks) found in the Serengeti. Their closest relative is the elephant!
There are approximately 1.25 million wildebeest. Each year, they attempt the annual migration to the Maasai Mara. For the most part, they walk in single file. It takes 3 months and thousands are killed by predators or drown in the river crossings. They are not very bright and many die when crocodiles amass for a feeding frenzy. They continue to go into the water even as they watch the massacre. Zebras, who migrate with them, wait patiently until the crocs have eaten their fill of wildebeest, then cross in relative safety.
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