This is a story about a young Bontebok that jumped a fence against his better judgement. Come and join us in this adventure.
One of the parents inside the camp, was watching us and it must have warned the rebel youngster that we were coming up the road.
It was totally unexpected, as we often walk on this road and all is well always. But not on this day, as all of a sudden we saw that the youngster had jumped the fence. From a distance, it looked like he was inside the camp, but no. He was outside.
So, what to do, and my wife urged me to catch him, so that she could pet him :)
I politely told her that never in a 100 years will I be able to catch that fleet footed little rebel, as they are very fast.
Oh yes, he jumped the fence of the camp and then he found out that it was much better at home.
Another parent was looking on and the two youngsters behind had no plans about also jumping fences.
So he thought; oh, oh, here comes trouble and he stood sizing me up.
Nope, no way and he turned to run further up the road.
Some stunning facts here;
Bontebok were once extensively killed as pests, and by the early 20th century were reduced to a wild population of just 17 individuals. The species was saved from certain extinction when Dutch farmer Alexander van der Bijl corralled the remaining individuals into a fence, which they were unable to jump out of. In 1931, this herd of 17 was transferred to Bontebok National Park, which was established for the explicit purpose of conservation of the species. By the time the park was relocated to better suit the needs of the bontebok in 1961, the herd had grown to 61 members. Today, their population is estimated to range from 2,500 to 3,000, all descendants of the original herd of 17 members.
Source
I was so hoping that he would jump back over the fence, as it would have been an excellent wild game photo to get him on camera in the jump. But no, he had no plans to jump the fence.
Now wait! He took the bait and decided to return!
We stepped off the road and walked further away from the fence to give him space and he accepted the invitation to return.
Coming down the track at high speed to get past us, but no problem as I was ready with my zoom.
Look at this guy going at full speed, and he was so beautiful to watch.
Gone in a matter of seconds, as he ran towards the bottom part of the camp.
We were concerned that he was still outside and we went to the office to report his escape to the management.
Unconcerned, we were told not to worry as the bucks often jump the fences and sooner or later, they will always jump back into the camps. Imagine that? If I was a buck, I would go cruising all over that farm every day. But with my luck, there would be a leopard or two around, so no, maybe it is not a good idea for a buck to go wandering around.
It was indeed a great experience for us and we just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
So, the lesson here is that the grass is not always greener on the other side, as it is so much better to be grateful for what we have.
Think about it and let me have your thoughts below in the comments.
I hope that you have enjoyed the adventure and the pictures.
And That's All Friends.
Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HD Bridge camera.
