As floodwaters continue to surge through parts of Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas, many visitors and wildlife enthusiasts are asking the same question: what is happening to the animals?
While the full ecological impact of widespread flooding will only become clear with time, Latest Sightings reached out to guides, conservationists, and researchers on the ground to gain insight into the important patterns that have already begun to emerge.
Breeding Disrupted Before the Water Even Settles
For conservation projects that work within precise biological timelines, the floods have already had real consequences. The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, which plays a crucial role in boosting declining hornbill populations, explained that the floods cut directly into their breeding-season operations.
“We will only know the true extent of the effects of such widespread and severe flooding after the fact – we haven’t seen this before, to this extent.”
Each year, the project carefully harvests the second-hatched ground hornbill chicks (a chick that would naturally perish as the species can only raise one offspring at a time).
“Our annual chick harvest had to be cut short… due to the flooding, we were not able to access some of the nests at the times that we needed to, resulting in a limited harvest.”
This means fewer birds will be available for future releases, creating a subtle but lasting ripple effect. Managed populations aren’t the only ones feeling the strain; however, wild birds will also be affected, as it is currently their breeding season, and floodwaters don’t wait for chicks to fledge.
You can support the efforts being made to preserve our precious and rare Southern Ground Hornbills on The Mabula Ground Hornbill Project’s website.
Movement Patterns are Less Dramatic than Expected
Interestingly, not all animals appear to have fled in panic. According to Ankia Pusey from Contemplate Wild, data from GPS-collared animals suggest that some species may have remained surprisingly stationary.
“We haven’t really noticed too many different behaviours according to information we are seeing from collars…it seems like [the wild dogs] haven’t moved much during the rain.”
While Anika reiterated that the team couldn’t observe animals directly during the worst of the storms, their data hints at a quiet resilience.
Contemplate Wild uses technology and data to protect wildlife, and you can get involved with their cause!
Floods are Natural, but Not Without Cost
A guide from Kruger offered a sobering reminder that while wildlife is adapted to harsh conditions, floods remain deadly events.
“While most animals have a certain amount of natural resilience to unusual circumstances, it is well documented that many animals die in floods, just as they do in other extreme weather conditions.”
Nature is resilient, but not invincible, and extreme weather always carries casualties.
Early Warning Signs Along the Rivers
Interestingly, long-time professional guide Jan Kriel of Jock Safari Lodge, noted some behavioural changes before the rivers burst their banks. As someone who has experienced previous major flood events, Jan observed a pattern among water-dependent species.
“The one thing which I have realized, and this also [occurred] during the 2000 floods… was that Crocodiles and Hippos would leave the river systems which became dangerous for them”
Jan added that many animals instinctively sought higher ground, sensing that they needed to get to safety.
“I believe that they could feel the atmospheric pressure changes and they knew what was coming.”
When Instinct Isn’t Enough
From South Post at Kruger, Steyn Jacobsohn witnessed some of the most dramatic and tragic outcomes, particularly among hippos.
“The only real behaviour that we saw that was different was the hippos… they spent a lot more time on the banks than in the water, especially because they can’t swim.”
He recalled a devastating moment from a previous flood year.
“There was a rush of water that came, and we just saw one hippo, and he didn’t make it… he drowned as the river just went.”
Jacobsohn also noted an unusual consequence of crocodiles abandoning swollen rivers.
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“And the interesting thing is all the crocodiles that are ending up in all the towns everywhere, because they go out of the mainstreams, and main rivers…and then they end up in such unusual places.”
As for other species, he was careful not to speculate but mentioned that elephants hate this type of weather, so are likely to venture to higher grounds and thickets as well.
You can watch the Crocodile River in flood live from South Post on YouTube:
Waiting for the Long-Term Story
For now, much remains unknown. Floods reshape landscapes, redistribute nutrients, and alter predator-prey dynamics, but they also leave scars that take years to heal.
As guides and researchers continue to observe the effects of the flooding, one thing is clear: survival during floods is a complex mix of instinct, luck, and resilience.
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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