...and you will see in here what a cutie it is.
I wondered at its thoughts as it looked at me. Yeeks! a giant!
It was a Cape Governor named Cecil John Rhodes that imported the grey squirrels into Cape Town from the USA. That was long ago in the 1700s, and since then the squirrel populations in the Cape expanded prolifically. As Rhodes was not a South African, it is said that he wanted to change things in the Cape to resemble his homeland. South Africa was under British rule at the time and after becoming a republic, a big statue of Rhodes was placed in a prominent position. Now under a new government the statue was vandalized and eventually removed, as the locals viewed Rhodes as a cause to all of their troubles. Just some history stuff to show you where the squirrels came from.
The mom led the baby to the maize feed of the birds next to the water bowl, and then the mom came to the front to eat the big acorns.
But the baby's intention was to explore.
What is this? The baby thought.
Can I eat it? It was an avocado pip.
Yuck, no it tastes bad, and the baby dropped it.
Thankfully, the mom dropped a piece of an acorn for the baby.
It's going to be fun to watch the antics of these little critters as they grow up. I saw 3 of them playing on a trunk of a palm tree, and the nest where they were born is above in the same palm tree. So, the mom will be sure to also lead the others here, and we look forward to meet them.
It is well known worldwide that South Africa has an abundance of wildlife, and the sad thing is that poachers are decimating certain species to sell on the black market. Especially Rhinos and Pangolins, but nothing is safe, as the orders come in from the syndicates that supply the stolen animals to other countries. I mentioned rhinos, as their horns sell for large amounts, and it is a travesty for a magnificent animal to be killed, only for its horn. Pangolins are not killed, as they are poached alive, and killed at their shady destinations for their scales. The scales are used in Chinese medicine, and their meat is regarded as a delicacy in China and Vietnam.
Such is life.
I hope that you enjoyed the pictures and the story, even if it’s a bit sad.
Photos by Zac Smith, All Rights-Reserved.
Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.
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