A Thrilling First Game Drive

Repeat AAC Client and Photographer-Extraordinaire, Chris Swindal shares one of his more unique and thrilling game drives.

“On my most recent safari, the adventure began on the very first day!  During the afternoon we took a drive in Kenya’s Nairobi National Park and what I thought would be a relaxing first drive turned into a stunner. While quietly watching a group of five white rhinoceros peacefully grazing together, things suddenly took a chaotic turn. While shooting video, the big male with a group of two mothers and their young ones suddenly turned and started making noise. The females bunched together while the young ones moved behind them, all making noise in response. The male began running around the females while swinging his large horn threateningly and successfully managed to separate one of the young ones from the group. At this point I switched from video to photos. The male then repeatedly used his head and horn to toss the young one in the air. My guide later said that he was actually trying to kill it so that the mother would come into heat again; similar to lions. Since rhinoceros are endangered, we quickly radioed the park rangers to notify them of the situation. They arrived on the scene a short time later. The rangers requested to review my video and photos to get better picture of what was happening. From that it was evident that the young one had been injured. The rangers told us that they would monitor them until dark, and then try to locate them again at first light. Once they are able to locate them, they would likely call in a vet to assess the young one’s injuries and potentially treat them. What a surprising first day and start of the trip. Surely it must be a sign of things to come!”