I love the idea of wild animals being so close to humans all the time. And the animals down here naturally feel more wild than those at home…( I guess the Africans feel the same when they visit us.)
Around Victoria Falls Hotel, there were these electric fences set up,

but before they were there – this sign was even more relevant.

Baboons roamed the streets and the forest, and the hotel had a guard to chase them off.

He told us he had a lot to do every day…

There were also many guenon monkeys around. A bit more slender and agile than the baboons.

Banded Mongoose was a new aquaintance to me. They are 12-18 inches, weight 3-5.5 pounds. They are one of few species that use tools – they throw eggs against rocks to break them.

This one had captured a snake – a fairly long one…

..and feasted on it for a long time. It was interesting to watch them. The mongooses are known for their agility, speed and resistance to venom. They can survive a bite from a cobra.

The Mongooses live in colonies and have a complex social system. They take care of their young together, which is rather unusual – only the banded Mongoose live in colonies though, the others are loners. I liked to watch them eat, play and taking care of their young. Fascinating animals.
Wonderful images and extraordinary insights, Ann-Christine! And what a privilege indeed to be so close to wildlife.
What experiences! What photos!
Thanks for sharing, Ann-Christine. Fascinating to be this close to mongooses xx
if I say jealous in a good way, hope you understand my meaning 😁
Wildlife indeed. Great photos.
I would have loved to be there and watching them in their natural habitat – but, oh boy, would I have checked the doors and windows were closed afterwards ?? ! ________________________________
That is interesting that they have a guard just to chase off the wild animals!
Thanks for the fun tour.
It is always fascinating to watch wildlife. I liked the post, stories, and especially the photos.