Goliath Heron

Goliath Heron with lunch photographed in the Kruger National Park. The Goliath Heron is the biggest of all the herons.

Steam Locomotive Cab

The controls of a 25NC steam locomotive photographed during July 2012. I have always seen them from a distance and never realised that the driver has very little forward vision. This probably explains why they are always peeking out of the side windows. This lady was born during the 1950's.

Wart Hog

This mother and father are teaching their young one how to be a pig. Wart Hogs photographed in the Pilanesberg nature Reserve.

15F Steam Locomotive

15F Steam Locomotive photographed near Germiston, South Africa. This graceful old lady was born during the 1950's. Go steam power!

Elephants

These two elephants photographed in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve had a bit of a disagreement that needed to be resolved. Sadly the park is starting to fall into ruins as a result of a lack of funding and leadership.

Giraffe

My daughter photographed this giraffe in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. Occasionally a giraffe will pick up and chew on a piece of bone for the calcium content. This giraffe appeared to be enjoying its piece of bone, throwing its head back, almost like a puppy.

Tough Springbok

I photographed this Springbok in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. If you look at its back you will see that it appears irregular. Zoom in and you will see that it is an old wound that has healed. The Springbok appeared to be in a worse state than the rest of the heard, but only slightly so. Wild animals are tough. Most humans would probably have died if they suffered a similar wound, probably inflicted by a predator. Springbok reach a height of 75cm at the shoulder and a weight of 35 to 45 kg. It adapts its diet to what is available. It will graze in summer and browse in winter. It has a lifespan of around 10 years.