Rhulani Insights 237 – Rock monitor stuck in the tree
Look behind the scenes of Rhulani Safari Lodge.
In today's blog, three of the rangers from Rhulani Safari Lodge have gathered in this dense, thorny shepherd's bush to liberate a rock monitor that was entangled in it out of this awkward situation. But how did this happen? Why has this animal been lying motionless in the thicket for several days now? Is it really trapped here or does it not need any help at all?
We practically do not interfere with the natural course of nature, and in particular we leave the animals living in Madikwe Reserve to their fate.
A lot of people think that reptiles don't feel, and they do.
In this case too, we refrain from removing the rock monitor from its hiding place or prison, we only cut off a few thorny branches to facilitate a possible exit.
It is amazing to see how such a large reptile can climb up such a thorny bush and survive in it for days and weeks without food or water. Whether this female rock monitor is just resting here, looking for a safe place to give birth to her young, or whether the animal is already old and weak and has chosen a last resting place, is all speculation.
By the way, we found the Rock Monitor in the same place for a few days until it suddenly disappeared.
Stay tuned for the next episode on 20 November when we talk to the artist Michael Cañadas about our new leopard sculpture at the entrance.
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