We came across a happy Hyena, caked in blood and carrying food. A couple of Black-backed Jackals were keen to share. The Hyena was not. It was a sign. So was an aroma carried on the wind. It wasn’t long before we found the mother lode, a dead Elephant.
Cause of death was unclear, probably old age. It was about the size one would expect of an adult female so likely represented three to four thousand kilograms (7,000 lbs) of meat.
As a young child I remember hearing an old music hall song on the radio. My mother was horrified – which may be why it was so memorable. The version I heard started like this …
It was popular in its time . There are many verses and many versions. Be that as it may, Elephant skin is very tough. Access to the resource within is a problem. The hole in the elephant’s bottom was the solution and had been enlarged considerably by the time we found it. Not an enviable job that.
From time to time I remind my readers to click on the galleries to get the full picture (especially when the thumbnails are missing body parts).
Jackals and Hyenas were disappearing inside the carcass for a feast but were always vigilant. To be trapped inside by a larger predator would have dire consequences. At this stage some of the actors are missing from the stage. No vultures, no Lions.
bobmcgee 