Life Outside of Lockdown: While The Humans Are Away, The Wildlife Will Play
Mother nature has a wonderful way of maintaining a good balance on Mother Earth; both of which have never failed to push back when we, as humans, take too much from them. Mothers of a feather stick together, after all, don’t they? This “too much” refers to deforestation, pollution, degradation and resource depletion (just to name a few).
In a strange way, it seems as if a levelling of the scales is currently at work. There has been a significant reduction in pollution and energy consumption, and humans are in hibernation, trying to weather this storm called COVID-19. As a result, the planet’s wildlife seems to be coming out of a similar lockdown that we put them in, in the first place.
It is amazing to think that these creatures originally lived in the areas that we live in today. And yet, we are so awestruck by the sighting of dolphins swimming in our harbours, chameleons crossing our roads and rare birds of prey perching on our windows.
However, of all the wonderful animals on our planet, lions are probably one of the most documented, when watching NatGeo or Animal Planet and for good reason. They are the kings of the jungle. And when the king is taking some time off from his usual comings and goings, it really sets the tone for the rest of the animal kingdom.
Lions try to catch some birdies…
In a video shot by Jean Rossouw, captain of Skukuza golf club in Kruger National Park, we can see that this pride of lions has taken a few days off to spend on the golf course! And, the beauty of it is that they haven’t the slightest care in the world with all the peace, quiet and a general lack of homo sapiens around them.
Flamingos go on a field trip…
After a dip in the pond and a lazy day in the sun, this flamboyence of flamingo took a guided tour of the surrounding exclosures at the Texas State Aquarium. Their caution and curiosity demand a smile as these wonderful birds waddle around the tanks.
Whatever floats your goat…
This herd of goats made their way through the streets of Whales, eating the luscious flora in the small town centre of Llandudno, Whales. Their cute little faces and their long, white fur liven up the streets as they disperse to the closest source of yummy goodness – any greenery along a verge or blossoming rose bushes. At least someone is keeping the hedges trimmed!
Overall, it’s nice to see that nature is getting a chance to reset and recover some of the damage that has been done over the last few decades. Hopefully, when hibernation is over we return to a greener, happier planet!