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.
Leya 
Great shots of the Mongooses, especially the one eating the snake! I don’t remember seeing those electric fences when we were there – maybe they’re a fairly recent addition?
Thank you, Sarah – I think they were fairly new – they looked newly made.
Awesome images! So exciting to be able to see these animals in the wild. The guard looks like he enjoys his job.
Thank you – and yes, the guard looked happy with life! I hope he just scared them off and did not kill them.
Wonderful images and extraordinary insights, Ann-Christine! And what a privilege indeed to be so close to wildlife.
♥
What experiences! What photos!
I don’t have to say I loved it!
Thanks for sharing, Ann-Christine. Fascinating to be this close to mongooses xx
It was. The seemed so relaxed too.
if I say jealous in a good way, hope you understand my meaning 😁
😀
Wildlife indeed. Great photos.
Thank you – interesting always!
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 ?? ! ________________________________
Haha, yes. I remember once, we were in Greece I think, and had the balcony door open in the night. When I went to bed I felt something soft moving at my feet and I was quick out of my bed I can assure you – it was a cat!
That is interesting that they have a guard just to chase off the wild animals!
They told us there was a baboon inside a room once, and that will not work with a renowned hotel.
Oh my goodness!! 😊
Thanks for the fun tour.
You are welcome!
It is always fascinating to watch wildlife. I liked the post, stories, and especially the photos.
Thank you, Egidio. To me it was fascinating!