Nic Nel submitted this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while on a game drive in South Africa’s Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.
At the feet of the king
As we join the action in Nic’s video, we see a millipede making its way across the ground. As it proceeds, it passes just a few inches from the feet of Africa’s largest predator: the lion.
However, these are not full-grown lions. They are cubs of the Kambula pride, which roams across parts of the Greater Kruger Park.
Excuse you!
As the millipede proceeds, it bumps into the tip of one of the cubs’ tails. Consequently, the cub lifts its tail and becomes aware of its presence.
As you’re probably aware, young animals are curious about practically everything they encounter. And this millipede is no exception.
This natural curiosity is how creatures learn about their environment. And, for young predators, this is how they learn what is potential prey, and what is not on the menu.
Shongololo
Consequently, it comes as no surprise when the cub decides to investigate the peculiar, moving stick.
In the Zulu language, people call millipedes “shongololos, which means to roll up. This, in reference to their tendency to curl into a tight coil when they feel threatened.
However, as the footage shows, this bold millipede passes right by their feet, barely missing a beat.
A closer look
Its attention now firmly focused on the millipede, the lion cub turns and crouches down for a closer look. Even so, the millipede continues on its way.
However, when one of the other cubs notices its sibling’s focused behaviour, it too decides to inspect the passing creepy-crawly.
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Cautiously curious
The cubs’ curiosity is matched only by their caution. While they are fascinated, they make no move to interfere with the millipede.
And, perhaps this is a good thing for shongololos can secrete a toxic liquid that can be harmful if introduced to the mouth or eyes.
In fact, when one of the cubs suddenly draws back and snuffs its breath, it’s fair to assume that it got a whiff of the liquid. The chemical is so effective that millipedes have very few natural predators, even repelling attacks from fearsome driver ants.
Look but don’t touch
Subsequently, the cub is happy to observe the passing creature from a safer distance. Perhaps it is taking a good look to ensure it never has to smell the noxious fumes ever again.
Then, as it starts to lose interest, the little cub’s face takes on a dreamy look. Is it imagining the day when it will know all there is to know about being a lion? A day when it can tackle prey that is pleasing to both the nose and the taste buds.
A shongololo by another name
The correct name for these creatures is the giant African millipede. They are found in low-lying areas from Kruger to Kenya.
They roam the forest floor, playing an important ecological function by breaking down decaying plant matter, thereby enriching the soil.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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