Elephants, elephants, elephants!

            As if I haven’t seen enough elephants already! Today’s trip to Lake Tarangire National Park was unbelievable and FILLED with elephants. We were mainly going to study the behavior and group dynamic of elephant groups – although our observations were often sidetracked by the other species in the park! Zebras, giraffes, water bucks, and some beautiful birds were the main distractions. But the wildlife was amazing and so up close. At one point, a mother and her two elephant babies were feeding only ten meters away from our cars. After allowing us to snap photos for a few minutes, I guess she had had enough of us and started slowly walking towards our cars. After our professor started the engine and began backing away, she continued to pursue us and shook her ears a few times (a warning sign to move away!). We drove off, but not before she started to slowly jog towards the vehicle!

            In addition to the elephant excitement, we also got to see some LIONS! Although they were farther away, I was still able to see them through my binoculars. It was a young male and a young female sitting with one another in the sand. At one point, he tried getting cozy with the female, but she was not having it and roared at him. So loud! Looking defeated, he moved away into the shade and stayed there for a while. For our first look at lions, it was pretty comical.

            We took a break after about 3 hours of observations at a lodge located within the park. It was mainly a tourist hotel, but we were able to order sodas and some food. The Coca-Colas here are just so good! The fact that they’re made with real sugar makes them so sweet and addictive. There was also a nearby gift shop where some people picked up gifts and trinkets to bring home (some of you will be receiving gifts, as well!).

            Tomorrow we learn more about lion ecology and their social behavior. Later next week, we head to Ngorongoro National Park, where our professor, Dr. Kioko, has said we will have a 100% chance of seeing a lion! Can’t wait!

            In addition to that lecture, we’ll also have a guest lecture come and talk about cultural aspects of the tribes in the area. On Saturday, we’ll be going in pairs to different families and spending the day with them. Most of the families don’t speak English, so communication will be interesting to say the least! But I’m so excited to get away from studying a bit and learning more about the people here and their lifestyles. The days here are just getting better and better!

So close!

Oh, hi!

View from the lodge!

The mother elephant ... before she started to chase us away.

Other SFS students - best car crew by far!