Lion
We were able to get surprisingly close to the animals in the crater,
especially the lions. The lions like to lie out on the dry, warm
roadway while the grass is still damp with dew.
Lion
The lions are so accustomed to the tour vehicles in the park that they
pay no attention to them. Mini-traffic jams form where the lions
block the roadway.
Traffic jam where
lions nap on the road
The ostriches looked great in their formal wear. Their necks formed
interesting shapes: graceful S, hook, and when they run a
squared-S.
Ostrich, male and
female
The zebra were relaxed and playful. Standing close together their
stripes create bizarre interference patterns.
Zebra
The crowned cranes were some of my favorite animals. Their headdresses
are extravagant, their plummage elegant.
Crowned cranes
Lake Magadi hosts scores of greater and lesser flamingos. With
so many flamingos there was always some interesting activity: preening,
eating, flying, kissing, flapping, walking, shaking. As the flamingos
grow older continued exposure to the alkaline lake turns them deeper pink.
A couple of golden jackels waded stealthily out into the water to stalk
the birds.
Flamingos
This warthog was much less cautious than the others we saw. Perhaps
he was too blissed-out in the mud to care.
Warthog