Zebras and Wildebeests in Tanzania
My friend and fellow children's book writer Ann Whitford Paul recently went with her husband Ron on a trip to Africa, where they did some amazing wildlife viewing in Uganda and Tanzania. Her pictures bring back memories of my own trip to those countries in 1971. Although much has changed since then, the wonder of seeing animals at home in their natural habitat is still the same. Here is a photo tour of some of the highlights of Ann and Ron's trip.After our gorilla trek in Uganda it was time to go to Tanzania for a more leisurely safari sitting in a jeep and taking in the great migration. Nothing prepares you for the sight of one and a half million wildebeests and zebras as far as you can see. Wildebeests are the ugly ducklings of the African plain, but how I loved zebras, especially Mom nursing her young one. Other highlights in Tanzania included these vultures are fighting over a place at the carrion table—Noisy! Aggressive! Hungry! This lion could have used a fly swatter. Couldn’t believe this family photo wasn’t posed. Maybe lions send holiday cards too. This mother and four cubs need their aunt to help with the child care and protect from predators. Cheetahs sometimes hunt in pairs (usually brothers) and then take turns—one eats while the other watches out for danger (usually in the form of a hyena.) When they’re all done, they lick each other clean. No need for napkins!This ostrich looks much more majestic in the wild than any I’ve ever seen in a zoo. In fact all wild animals are sleeker, more alert and healthier than you can imagine. Probably because the weak and infirm eventually become meal for their predators. I believe in zoos and their work breeding endangered species and bringing a distant part of the word to us. That said, I much prefer seeing creatures in their natural habitat and hope these pictures might inspire readers to put Africa on their bucket list. It will be a never-forgotten trip. And lucky for us, we have a granddaughter to call us back to this amazing continent.You can read about Ann's trip to Uganda in her posts on 5/30/16 and 6/6/16.You can find out more about Ann Whitford Paul and her books at www.annwhitfordpaul.com .