This photo was uploaded onto the Kariega Game Reserve Facebook page by Tarita Vincent. Giraffe are a gentle and social species, often moving around with others in a herd and even taking care of each others young. There are about 9 different sub-species of giraffe, all having very different spots. The southern African giraffe, found in most South African game parks, has a fuller, blotchy spot. Its a great time to view Giraffe on Kariega Game Reserve South Africa as there are plenty new editions that have arrived with Spring! Thanks Tarita for sharing this great pic!

It seemed for a day or two as if we, well rhinos actually, could breathe easily again. At Kariega Thandi was on the mend after her horrific injuries, and there seemed to be a lull in poaching activity. Then at the end of September came the news that in game reserves in South Africa 19 rhinos had been slaughtered in a week, bringing the total for the year to 430. Today as I write – 18 October 2012 – that total has risen to over 463, another 33 rhinos in little more than a fortnight.

This photo was posted onto the Kariega Game Reserve Facebook page by Johanita Hugo and was taken at Kariega Game Reserve South Africa on a late afternoon game drive. Great shot Johanita! Caracal are shy and elusive creatures and when spotted there is hardly time to take a decent shot. Every so often however they appear comfortably and relaxed out in the open, but in this case there happened to be three of them! What a great sighting and thanks for sharing with us Johanita!  

It has been just over eight months since three of the Kariega Game Reserve rhinos were poached. Since then Thandi has inspired us with her fighting spirit and miraculous recovery. She is looking healthy and happy - exhibiting normal behaviour and...

Our photo selection this week had to be of Thandi, as she appears to be healing so very well. We are also happy to see her looking on with a mouthful of grass and caked in some good old mud (they do this to protect themselves from the sun and also from insects and parasites.) With all the recent rain, the Kariega rhino were taking cover and rarely spotted. We were very excited to see this great picture taken by Jason Loest, one of the Kariega Game Reserve wildlife managers. Thank you Jason!

Kariega was excited to have recently released two servals on the game reserve!