SANParks.org Forums

Interesting question - years ago - probably early 2002 or around then, there was a dying lion outside TR - it was too awful as he was lying in the sun and in the most distressing condition - but when I reported it, as I assume many other visitors had, I was told nature would take its course. But what are the boundaries of management and interference in an environment that we have impacted on?

Tony T,

This is a question that guides (in general) get a lot. It surely is very sad to see any animal in distress or injured, the first thing a human want to do is to help the animal (specie).

SANParks do have the policy of NO interference; we do try and keep nature as natural as possible. In a situation where any animal specie is injured, may it be by another animal or natural cause we will leave it that nature takes it cause (if we start interfering once it would be difficult to not interfere the next time). When working in an environment like this we have to know that we cannot get to attached to an animal, that’s why its been said that nature is very cruel, and to turn your head from the situation is even more heartbreaking. When an animal has been injured due to human interference, such as the Ostrich you have mentioned then only will we intervene.

For instance if an animal in Kruger has been caught in a snare, officials will take action as it is a 'man made' situation , but where it is natural causes we will let it be.

People might not understand certain actions taken and the reason behind it, but if we should start interfering in every case where an animal is injured it will become a zoo. People do go to game reserves to see animals in their natural environment, and then we should also accept the fact that nature plays by her own rules and as said before can be very cruel.

Unfortunately I didn’t hear about the incidents, but during my career I have had the unfortunate opportunity to come across cruel situations where you know you can help but you are not allowed to, it is not an easy thing to not get involved

I endorse & support the explanation given by KG.

KG thank you for a very comprehensive reply. Thanks for giving of your time!

It is the same old dilemma: when eye does not see, heart does not hurt.

Nature in its most intimate expressions was not supposed to be seen by humans and thus we must learn to close the eyes and the heart when by chance the cruelness of nature hurts our sensibility.

Well said Micetta - so in essence, what this means, we must respect nature, even its cruelty (what us humans have called it - though somehow mans cruelty does not equite with natures 'cruelty'!)

Tony,

Not a problem, the time given is at least given towards a good cause. As mentioned before if I dont have the answer to a problem or request I will take it to the respective people and get an answer from there.

I have spoken to the Section Ranger at Nossob regarding the lioness, unfortunately he was on leave, but he did hear about the lioness, he told me that he would investigate the matter and come back to me. As soos as he does I will post his reply.

Hi KG

About two weeks ago there was a program on DSTV (Untamed and Uncut), a guy was videoing a herd of Elephants in Kruger - A mother elephant stepped over a tree trunk, but when her baby followed, it could not step over the trunk and it's one leg got caught in a cleft of the trunk.
The mother tried with all her might to shift the tree trunk, but could not, she was very distressed and so was the baby - she charged the guy taking the video.

Then SANParks staff arrived, in bakkies and with a FRONT END LOADER..
They kept the mother and others Ellies away from the herd with the FEL and they tried to shift the trunk, eventually they used the FEL to free the baby Ellie and it raced off to join the herd?

This is interesting with regards to your above statements? Obviously you cannot answer for Kruger, but it seems the policy is NOT adhered to across the parks?

Thanks
JJ

Hi Jannie,

Two questions please?

How cold does it usually get at night during October? I've been watching the forecast and the temperatures seem quite moderate. Would a warm jacket do or is it better to pack gloves and beanies just for in case?

At what time would the accommodation be ready to be occupied in the following camps: Twee Rivieren, Tented Camp, Nossob and Bitterpan?

Thanx.

Jungle Junkie,

I so which that I could answer your question regarding the baby elephant: redface: , but I cant as I don’t know the reason why they did it. Maybe you should ask the section ranger of that specific region to give you an explanation (Let me know what region and I will ask the section ranger to explain).

@JenB,

October has cool evenings, but not that you should need a jacket. As you have mentioned it is moderate.
All accommodation can be occupied at 12h00 (Maybe if you are early then just ask reception if the rooms have been made available for occupation, they will let you know and maybe you could get in a bit earlier.

Thanx Jannie! Looking forward to seeing you "there" soon.

We arrive at KTP on the 12 th of October. Unfortunately my Father is not well at the moment and I want to give my Mother some contact numbers in case I needed to be contacted in an emergency.
Is the main reception number the best one to contact at Twee Rivieren given we will be in various of the wilderness camps and they will then be able to get a message to me?
Thank you for any suggestions folk might offer
Simon Ball

Simon,

You can ask the Twee Rivieren reception to forward any emergency calls to where you might be in the park, they are in radio ciontact and will get hold of you.

The reception number is 054 561 2000 / 2050

Hope this helps

This is a very practical question.

I have booked into KNP for 8 nights. So far I have 4 nights at Nossob camping, 2 nights at Grootkolk and I am then booked into Nossob camping for a final 2 nights.

I need to get back sooner than expected, so I will have to exit the Park as early as possible on the 4th Jan. If I can get a chalet at Twee Rivieren I will spend my last night there.

However, I am wanting to change my last 2 nights to non camping and obviously the last night would be as close to the gate as possible. Which camps would you recommend for the final nights if I cannot get into Twee Rivieren?

Thanks

HI MM
Kielie Krankie is the closest to TR (about 2hrs) so that would be the most practical one. Next would be Urikaruus.(about 3 hrs)
I would take either of the two if I were you
Pity to need to rush out , however, staying in one of these Wilderness Camps will be a highlight I'm sure
Note, the times I have given allows MINIMAL viewing on the way.