John a'Porta John a'Porta

Invading Male Lion Tests His Luck with Females

An assertive new male, known as the Ukhozi male, is making waves as he pushes into the Masungulo male’s territory in the Hoedspruit region. Roaring, scent-marking, and full of confidence, he wasted no time introducing himself to a nearby lioness who made it very clear she wasn’t interested. Watching from the sidelines, one of the young Kudyela breakaway males looked on, both jealous and cautious. Tensions are rising, and the lion dynamics are shifting fast.

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John a'Porta John a'Porta

Happy Hyena Shows Off Elephant Ear Prize

A hyena makes off with a massive elephant ear, scavenged from a carcass in the Masai Mara. After a long life, likely ended by old age and worn-down teeth, the elephant’s body becomes a feast for others. This moment captures the raw, honest cycle of nature. One life stops, and many others go on. No waste, just wild survival.

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Kafue National Park John a'Porta Kafue National Park John a'Porta

Park Bigger Than Israel Split Up to Fight Poaching

Kafue National Park is massive, bigger than the whole of Israel. But for years, its size made it hard to manage properly. To fight poaching and respond faster to emergencies, the park was recently split into smaller, more manageable zones. This new system helps teams cover the ground better, keep a stronger presence, and protect the park’s wildlife more effectively.

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Leopard, Conservation John a'Porta Leopard, Conservation John a'Porta

Farmer Forced to Catch Namibian Leopard for Feeding on Livestock

A young female leopard, caught by a farmer after preying on livestock, was not removed or euthanised; instead, thanks to collaboration between conservationists and the farmer, she was fitted with a GPS tracking collar and released back onto the same land. The Rapid Response Team also provided the farmer with conflict mitigation strategies to protect both livestock and wildlife. This approach demonstrates how proactive interventions can help farmers and predators coexist successfully on Namibian farmland.

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Black Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Chick, Eagle John a'Porta Black Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Chick, Eagle John a'Porta

Famous Black Eagles Return Home After Years Now Hatch Chick

A black eagle chick has hatched at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in 2025. With experienced parents Makatsa and Mahlori caring for the nest, bird lovers are watching closely. The garden, located near Roodekrans in Johannesburg, is home to one of South Africa’s most closely followed eagle pairs.

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John a'Porta John a'Porta

After no Sightings in Recent History Leopards Make Return

For 25 years, no one had seen a single leopard in Liwonde National Park. Everyone basically thought they were extinct in the area. Then after the big expansion into the Mangochi Forest, they started doing long-term camera trap projects out there. Years wen by, and still nothing. Then finally, out of nowhere, a camera catches one. A leopard. Just a few seconds of footage, but it was enough. That was all the proof they needed.

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John a'Porta John a'Porta

Lions Track Cheetah Mom With 3 Babies

When a mother cheetah caught lunch for her babies, vultures swooping down towards them attracted the attention of lions.
Wanting to investigate, the lions tracked the oblivious cheetah and cubs down!

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