Description
This poor zebra had broken one of its legs and was struggling to move, each step causing it great pain. Exhausted and in agony, it eventually lay down, seemingly surrendering to its fate and making itself an easy target for predators like lions and hyenas.
Not far off, a group of vultures had gathered, patiently waiting for the zebra to die before they began to feed—true to their nature, as vultures typically do not prey on living animals.
A team of field rangers, noticing the vultures circling near the injured zebra, decided to intervene. Although it went against park policy not to interfere with natural events, they chased the vultures away. However, the zebra remained exposed and vulnerable to other predators.
This scene was filmed at Marhya Waterhole, near Satara Rest Camp in Kruger National Park.
Game drive etiquette Rules:
– When you come across a sighting, slowly pull over on the side of the road closest to the animal, but keep a safe distance
– If there are animals in the road, immediately stop at least 20 m from them
– The lane furthest from the sighting should never be blocked, so that others can pass if they want to
– Don’t linger longer than a few minutes at a sighting, so that others can view it too
– Never go off the designated roads
– Never climb out of your vehicle during a drive, or hang out of your car windows or sunroof
– Don’t hoot or blare loud music
– Avoid driving into vegetation, as this could damage the environment or kill small animals
– During night drives, never shine a spotlight directly in animals’ eyes
– Never make noise to get animals to move, stand up or otherwise react for pictures
– Respect the rangers, and always comply with their requests or instructions