The Terrific Beasts of Africa (part 1)

Contrary to popular belief, wild animals do not simply roam the streets and parking lots of South Africa (at least not usually).  Most of the animals in the country are probably livestock--cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and horses.  Many exist on farms and ranches, but in rural African villages they also embody the wealth of a family.  A cow especially is like a savings account, or in a worst case scenario, a rainy day fund.  In these areas, herdsman still herd, but sometimes the animals roam on their own to anywhere there is grass--which may be on the other side of the road.

Of course, there are the more exotic types around, but they are also all in reserves or game parks, either managed as a type of livestock, or for sport, or for safari.  So far the most African animals I've encountered have been ostrich and baboon.  All I can say about these creatures is that ostrich are just as ridiculous acting as they look, and baboons are like undisciplined 8 years with fangs and ape-strength.  

Below are the animals I have encountered so far.  They are cute to look at but also might give you an idea of the sorts of environments and lifestyles people lead in the southwestern and south-central parts of South Africa.  Enjoy!

At the Oudtshoorn ostrich park.  I forget her name but this was "little person" ostrich that all but one of the others shunned.  Shame, that.

Getting in some necking

stealing a kiss

My mate Morne and I--suitors lining up.

Not surprisingly, I could only get a peck out of her

They grow up so fast

Ostrich massage.  I should note here that I also rode an ostrich--check facebook for the video one day

Went horseback riding in Jeffrey's Bay--there me, Goldie, the dunes, and the ocean

Jacenta and Phil from the Backpackers

masked rider

an accidentally ridiculous glamour shot

about to take off over some dunes!  so cool

it was like a cologne commercial, except it smelled like horses

In Coffee Bay on the hike to Hole in the Wall.  The Wild Coast is where animals outnumbered people, and roamed where they wished

Another Coffee Bay critter, taken for my mom. 

A pig doing its thing in Lesotho