Lionizing Cecil Makes Us Feel Good, But a Trophy Hunting Ban Will Accelerate Slaughter

by Pat Dewil | Jan 7, 2016 | Conservation

If you fly over parts of Tsavo today—and I challenge anyone to do so, if you have the eyes for it – you can see lines of snares set out in funnel traps that extend four or five miles. Tens of thousands of animals are being killed annually for the meat business....

Male lion dispute

by Pat Dewil | Jan 4, 2016 | Conservation

Male lion territory protection is an integral part of the life of a mature male lion. And when two males decide to argue over their rights, it can be a stunning spectacle – as our guests discovered in Botswana! These confrontations are often loud and...

The Tragedy of Cecil

by Pat Dewil | Dec 15, 2015 | Conservation

When Cecil the lion’s carcass was finally found after he was lured out of a Zimbabwe wildlife reserve to be killed by an American hunter, it was a headless, skinless skeleton the vultures had been picking at for about a week. Conservationists decided the most...

Do you like your rhinos canned or wild?

by Pat Dewil | Apr 27, 2015 | Conservation

Are South Africa’s respected conservation authorities intent for some reason on shipping some of our wild rhinos from areas like the Kruger National Park to live out their lives “safely” on hunting and horn cropping farms? I am concerned that while the greater public...

The incredible moment a leopard leaps from a tree to snare a spot of lunch.

by Pat Dewil | Jan 30, 2015 | Conservation

The impala move to graze underneath the tree, unaware that the crafty predator was lurking in the branches several meters above them. The leopard leaps from a height of 40 feet to snare a spot of lunch. The sneak attack causes the impala herd to flee – except...

A Big Mistake

by Pat Dewil | Jul 18, 2014 | Conservation

A remarkable situation! Elephants are the most intelligent of creatures but sometimes they too, make mistakes. This cow was obviously crushed when the baobab she was feeding on, fell on top of her.But the lions enjoyed an unexpected and easy feast.Ruaha, Tanzania...