#South African National Parks

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Wild African elephants may have domesticated themselves

Two elephants greeting each other at the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa.

(Image credit: Johan Swanepoel, Depositphoto.)

#johan swanepoel #photographer #depositphotos #african elephant #elephant #mammal #animal #wildlife #addo elephant national park #south africa #nature

[travelella]

African bush elephants in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Henning Borgersen

Mass: 13,000 lbs (Male, Adult), 6,600 lbs (Female, Adult) Scientific name: Loxodonta africana Gestation period: 22 months Trophic level: Herbivorous Speed: 25 mph (Maximum, Running) Height: 10 ft. (Male, Adult, At Shoulder), 7.2 – 9.2 ft. (Female, Adult, At Shoulder) Lifespan: 60 – 70 years

Also known as the African savanna elephant, is one of two extant African elephant species and one of three extant elephant species. It is the largest living terrestrial animal.

As herbivores, they spend much of their days foraging and eating grass, leaves, bark, fruit, and a variety of foliage. They need to eat about 350 pounds of vegetation every day.

Their range spans a variety of habitats, from the open savanna to the desert, and can be found in most African countries. 

#South Luangwa National Park #Zambia #National Park #Elephant #Elephants #Wildlife #ZambiaWildlife #Africa #African Bush Elephant

[lost-lycaon]

Cape glossy starling. Common resident in savanna, but in Kruger it is easiest to see at the coffee shop.

#south africa #africa #original photography on tumblr #wildlife photography #african birds #starling #kruger national park

[animalsandanimals]

Two porcupine ran out into the road ahead of the photographer in Kruger National Park South Africa.

Article: Africa Guide

#porcupine #animals #wildlife #african wildlife #kruger national park #wildlife photography #animal #cute #Kruger National Park South Africa

[andmaybegayer]

May show signs of wear

African Elephant, Kruger National Park

Not that many elephants on this trip! I mean, still dozens, I got some good video around the waterholes that you'll see when I eventually get round to organizing it, but way less than I'm used to seeing. Love seeing big old elephants, they've got so much texture and character.

#elephants #african elephant #wildlife photography #nature photography #south africa #my photography #elephantidae #kruger national park #photographers on tumblr

[djhenryhall]

Juvenile African Bush Elephants at Play

A juvenile elephant, brimming with energy, locked in a spirited play with a younger companion.

Juvenile African Bush Elephants In the heart of the wilderness, a juvenile elephant exuded an abundance of vitality, engaging in spirited play with a younger companion. In this enchanted moment, nature seemed to catch the contagion of their youthful enthusiasm, moving in rhythm with their exuberance. Moved by the spontaneity of this scene, I found myself transported to the pulsating beats of…

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#African bush elephant #elephant #elephants #Kruger National Park #Nature #sabi sands game reserve #Safari #south africa #south africa safari #wildlife #wildlife wednesday

[travelernight]

South Africa’s Winelands: Experiencing the Best Vines and Views

#adventure travel South Africa #best safari in South Africa #best time to visit South Africa #budget travel in South Africa #Cape Town #Cape Town attractions #cultural trips in Durban #Drakensberg hiking #Durban beaches #Durban's Sunny Shores and Cultural Mix #eco-tourism in South Africa #Garden Route itinerary #Kruger National Park #Kruger National Park safari #luxury travel South Africa #Robben Island history #South Africa #South Africa family vacation #South Africa historical sites #South Africa road trips #South Africa travel guide #South Africa wildlife tours #South African Winelands #Table Mountain tours #The Drakensberg Mountains #The Garden Route #The Winelands

[ximuwusafarilodge]

National Park in South Africa | XIMUWU Safari Lodge 

Escape to the natural wonders of South Africa's national parks. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of XIMUWU Safari Lodge, located in the heart of this captivating country. Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable adventures in the enchanting national parks of South Africa. Experience the essence of true African wilderness at XIMUWU Safari Lodge.

#africa kruger #africa kruger national park #africa national park #africa national park safari #african lodges #african national parks and game reserves #african safari kruger national park #africas national parks #national park #national park for animals #park south africa #national park in south africa

[tripaccomplice]

Game On! A Rundown of What to Expect on a Safari Game Drive

Timbavati Reserve, South Africa An African safari is common entry on a lot of people’s bucket lists. It was certainly on mine until March of 2009 when I visited the Timbavati & Klaserie Reserves in the Northeastern corner of South Africa, which is just to the west of Kruger National Park. Now that I’ve gotten through all the points on the compass with that last sentence, allow me to share my…

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#African safaris #game drives #How does a safari work #Klaserie Rerserve #Kruger National Park #Safari #safari guides #safari trackers #South Africa #Timbavati Reserve #What to expect on safari

[sitting-on-me-bum]

African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

© Bernard DUPONT / Flickr

#bernard dupont #photographer #flickr #african buffalo #buffalo #syncerus caffer #kruger national park #south africa #animal #mammal #wildlife #nature

[herpsandbirds]

African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), family Spheniscidae, order Sphenisciformes, Boulders Penguin Colony, Table Mountain National Park, South Africa

ENDANGERED.

photographs via: SANParks - Table Mountain National Park

#penguin #spheniscus #spheniscidae #sphenisciformes #bird #ocean #africa #animals #nature

[lost-lycaon]

African Painted Dogs on the move in the Kruger.

#south africa #africa #original photography on tumblr #wildlife photography #waterberg #african painted dog #african wild dog #canid #kruger national park

[rabbitcruiser]

Juneteenth

The freedom of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. in 1865 is celebrated on the holiday Juneteenth on June 19. Juneteenth is made up of the words ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth,’ and it is on this day that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas more than 155 years ago to inform slaves that slavery had been abolished.

The freedom of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. in 1865 is celebrated on the holiday Juneteenth on June 19. Juneteenth is made up of the words ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth,’ and it is on this day that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas more than 155 years ago to inform slaves that slavery had been abolished.

When is Juneteenth 2022?

Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. and commemorates African-American freedom, is observed on June 19.

History of Juneteenth

According to the official website of the historical event, Juneteenth is ‘the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.’ Other than marking a pivotal date of significance in American history, Juneteenth also serves as an opportunity for African Americans to cherish their culture and heritage.

More than 155 years old, Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. The reason for it being celebrated on June 19 is because, on this day in 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army landed in Texas, he brought the news that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free.

The proclamation declaring the abolishment of slavery was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, in the nation’s third year of an ongoing civil war. Known as the Emancipation Proclamation, it declared that ‘all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State […] shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.’ Granger’s arrival at Texas was to enforce this decree, which had originally gone into effect two years earlier.

The news had come as a shock to more than 250,000 slaves in Texas who were unaware of it.

On June 19, in the city of Galveston, Granger publicly read General Order No. 3, which stated: ‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.’

As to why the news of the abolition of slavery reached Texas so late, there are varying accounts. One story states that the messenger bearing the news was assassinated on his journey. Some historians believe that the report on the Emancipation Proclamation was withheld by slave owners in Texas on purpose so that they can go about their business as usual and keep the labor force working. Historians also note that, until 1865, Texas remained a Confederate State, so Lincoln’s proclamation could not have been enforced until Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army and they took over.

Either way, Granger’s arrival with the grand news stirred the air with jubilance and massive celebrations across the state. A former slave named Felix Haywood gave his recount of the first celebration in 1865 in the book “Lone Star Pasts: Memory and History in Texas” — ‘We was all walkin’ on golden clouds […] Everybody went wild […] We was free. Just like that, we was free.’

Juneteenth timeline

June 19, 1865Texas Slaves Finally Gain Their Freedom

Even though they are officially made aware of the Emancipation Proclamation on this day, many slaves stay with their masters as paid hands.

August 28, 1963‘I Have a Dream’

Martin Luther King delivers one of history’s most inspirational speeches in front of roughly 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial.

July 2, 1964President Johnson Signs the Civil Rights Act

This act gives the federal government the power to enforce desegregation while prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

1980Texas Declares Juneteenth a State Holiday

While Texas was the first state to observe Juneteenth as a state holiday, many others have since followed suit.

June 14, 2019Call for a National Holiday

“Boston Globe” columnist Renée Graham writes that Juneteenth deserves an elevated status, noting that many African Americans regard the nation’s July 4 holiday with deep ambivalence.

Juneteenth FAQs

Why is Juneteenth called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a fusion of the words ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth.’ The emancipation of African Americans from slavery in the U.S. officially happened on June 19.

Is Juneteenth a national holiday?

The only three states yet to legally recognize Juneteenth as either a state or ceremonial holiday are Hawaii, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

What is Juneteenth and why is it important?

Juneteenth is an extremely important holiday in history, commemorating the day when the enslaved people of Texas learned that slavery had been abolished and that they are free.

How to Observe Juneteenth

Fly the Juneteenth flag

Attend a Juneteenth celebration

Watch a movie about slavery

Echoing the red, white, and blue of the U.S. flag, the Juneteenth flag signifies that slaves and their descendants are true Americans.  A star in the middle represents Texas, with a larger outer star representing new freedom and a new people.

Some citizens in the southern states celebrate with readings and oral histories of their ancestors, which is an honorable way to remember a somber period in American history. Celebrations also include cookouts, rodeos, concerts, and parades.

Recent titles include "12 Years a Slave," "Glory," Amistad" and "Django Unchained."

5 Courageous Americans Who Fought For Equality

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rosa Parks

Mildred Loving

Frederick Douglass

Dred Scott

Perhaps the most widely recognizable name associated with the civil rights movement, Dr. King gave us the famous "I have a Dream" speech in August 1963 — his 1968 murder proved that the movement still had a lot of work to do.

With a simple refusal to surrender her seat on a public bus, Parks made a bold statement for African Americans in the South — her December 1955 arrest inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Loving and her husband, Richard, were jailed for unlawful cohabitation in Virginia where interracial marriage was illegal in 1958 — their case reached the Supreme Court in 1967, which ruled unanimously in their favor.

An escaped slave, Douglass became an advocate for the abolition of slavery as well as women's rights.

Enslaved African American Dred Scott sued for his family's freedom in 1857 — the Supreme Court ruled against him, finding that no person of African ancestry could claim U.S. citizenship.

Source

#African-American History Monument by Ed Dwight #Columbia #South Carolina #Behold by Patrick Morelli #Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park #USA #Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change #Atlanta #San Diego #Georgia #Boston #Massachusetts #California #Breaking the Chains by Melvin Edwards #Emancipation Statue by Thomas Ball #Juneteenth #19 June #original photography #public art #summer 2016 #architecture #cityscape

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - June 20, 2023

🐕 - Meet Sheep Farm's Newest Employee: Collie Hired After Ejection from Car!

1. Border Collie ejected from car during Sunday crash found on sheep farm, herding sheep

Tilly, the 2-year-old Border Collie who was ejected from a car Sunday during a crash, has been found. He was found on a sheep farm, where he had apparently taken up the role of sheep herder. 

According to Tilly's owner, he has lost some weight since Sunday's crash and is now drinking lots of water but is otherwise healthy.

2. After 17-Year Absence, White Rhinos Return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recently welcomed the reintroduction of 16 southern white rhinoceroses to Garamba National Park, according to officials. The last wild northern white rhino was poached there in 2006.

The white rhinos were transported to Garamba, which lies in the northeastern part of the country, from a South African private reserve. In the late 19th century, the southern white rhino subspecies was believed to be extinct due to poaching until a population of fewer than 100 was discovered in South Africa in 1895, according to WWF.

3. UK to wipe women’s historic convictions for homosexuality

Women with convictions for some same-sex activity in the United Kingdom can apply for a pardon for the first time, the Home Office has announced.

The Home Office is widening its scheme to wipe historic convictions for homosexual activity more than a decade after the government allowed applications for same-sex activity offences to be disregarded.

It means anyone can apply for a pardon if they have been convicted or cautioned for any same-sex activity offences that have been repealed or abolished.

4. Study shows human tendency to help others is universal

A new study on the human capacity for cooperation suggests that, deep down, people of diverse cultures are more similar than you might expect. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that from the towns of England, Italy, Poland, and Russia to the villages of rural Ecuador, Ghana, Laos, and Aboriginal Australia, at the micro scale of our daily interaction, people everywhere tend to help others when needed.

5. In a First, Wind and Solar Generated More Power Than Coal in U.S.

Wind and solar generated more electricity than coal through May, an E&E News review of federal data shows, marking the first time renewables have outpaced the former king of American power over a five-month period.

The milestone illustrates the ongoing transformation of the U.S. power sector as the nation races to install cleaner forms of energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

6. Iceland becomes latest country to ban conversion therapy

Lawmakers in Iceland on June 9 approved a bill that will ban so-called conversion therapy in the country.

Media reports note 53 members of the Icelandic Parliament voted for the measure, while three MPs abstained. Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, an MP who is a member of the Liberal Reform Party, introduced the bill.

7. The temple feeding 100,000 people a day

Amritsar, the north Indian city known for its Golden Temple and delicious cuisine, is also renowned for its spirit of generosity and selfless service. The city, founded by a Sikh guru, embodies the Sikh tradition of seva, performing voluntary acts of service without expecting anything in return.

This spirit of giving extends beyond the temple walls, as the Sikh community has shown immense compassion during crises, such as delivering oxygen cylinders during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the heart of Amritsar's generosity is the Golden Temple's langar, the world's largest free communal kitchen, serving 100,000 people daily without discrimination. Despite a history marred by tragic events, Amritsar continues to radiate kindness, love, and generosity.

----

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation:

BUY ME A COFFEE ❤️

Also don’t forget to reblog.

#best news of last week

[djhenryhall]

The Majestic African Bush Elephant: A Marvel of Nature

A mesmerizing sight unfolds as a herd of African Bush Elephants gracefully grazes alongside the meandering Sand River.

In the heart of Africa, against the breathtaking backdrop of the ever-changing Sand River, a grand assembly of African bush elephants comes together. They partake in a diverse feast for about one to two hours, savoring a banquet of grass, leaves, bark, fruit, and lush foliage. These magnificent creatures, known as African Bush Elephants, are the largest land animals on Earth, weighing between…

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#African bush elephant #elephants #Kruger National Park #Nature #sabi sands river #Safari #south africa #wildlife #wildlife wednesday

[sofiareidings]

Falling For You

Summary: Spencer is completely oblivious to how madly in love you are. That's it. Warnings: fluff and swearing.

A/N: I feel like this idea has been done before, so if I subconsciously copied a fic, let me know!! Also, I didn't mean to do it, but this story is technically spencerxgn!reader so. Also, i'm back!! Another story is coming out at 9pm EST, so be ready!!!

Word Count: 0.9k

Song Suggestions: Wildest Dreams (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift

You two clicked immediately. It was strange, you were both so opposite. I guess that's what made it work. What he lacked you made up for and reversed. Not many other people knew much about your personal life except for him. Your favourite thing about him was his words. Everytime he rambled about the most random times you could listen forever.

Whenever he looked at you, you melted. When he smiled your face burned from blushing. And whenever he talked you just wanted to kiss him. But you had no clue if he felt the same. For a genius he was quite oblivious to your flirting and comments. If he liked you he definitely had a good way of hiding it.

There was only one issue.

***

The movie was about halfway through and you made sure to turn the couch into a bed, Spencer had come over to watch it with you. If someone asked you tomorrow morning what the movie was about you wouldn't be able to say, he'd been talking the whole time.

"...That actually isn't correct," He started, moving his hands around for emphasis. "In the wild, there are two formally recognised lion subspecies. The African lion is found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert. The Asiatic lion exists in one small population around Gir Forest National Park in western India. Wild lions in the west and central Africa are more closely related to these Asiatic lions in India than to those found in southern and east Africa. So realistically the characters would be..."

Listening to him talk was like heaven, but at the same time it was hell. He just looked so huggable.

No, kissable. The butterflies in your stomach made you giggle, he paused and frowned. Looking like a lost puppy.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Stumbling over the words as he spoke, you stopped laughing and grabbed his hands while smiling.

"No, no you didn't. It was just…cute." You muttered.

"Thank you?" A confused look on his face when he responded. Your heart shattered a little, that was obvious wasn't it? Did his feelings not reciprocate? "Oh! Also, manes on male lions tell a story. Male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. These manes grow up to 16 cm long and are a sign of dominance. The older they get, the darker their manes go. As well as attracting females, their manes may also protect…"

His words trailed off again and he stared at you. "You keep being weird. You're all red. Did I say something wrong? I know that sometimes I speak for too long and I go on and on, which annoys people-" He sighed, "And I'm doing it now. I'm sorry."

"No, please. I love when you talk. It's calming." Grinning, you continued, "So what about protection?"

"Oh, um…manes can also protect their neck and head from injuries during a fight." He slowed down his speaking, like he was a little self-conscious about his words now. When he stopped talking everything was silent, except for the sound of the movie quietly playing on the TV in front of you.

"Spence? What's wrong?" Tilting your head and looking at him, he was staring at the TV but he didn't seem to be watching it. Just thinking, his eyebrows furrowed like they normally did while he was deep in thought. "What are you thinking about?"

"Have you been flirting with me?" He blurted out, looking back up and at you. You almost jumped, not expecting that question.

"What?" Still in shock it took you a minute to respond. Letting the silence fill the air again, he didn't speak. He just stared, waiting for an answer. "I-What would you think if I was?"

"I would've wished I'd noticed sooner." He sighed, making that puppy-dog face you loved. Neither of you really knew what to do and sat there for what you would believe could've been hours.

"Fuck it." You breathed out and as if he knew what you were thinking as well he leaned in at the same time as you, kissing you softly. After a couple seconds you felt his hands wrap around your face, holding it as he kissed more.

Your hands didn't know where to go, after a couple more seconds they finally found their place, one around the back of his neck and the other tucked around his waist. Pulling you closer to him.

A couple seconds later you both moved away from each other, only long enough to catch your breaths and muttering random words. Before you knew it the both of you were back to kissing, to make up for how long you guys spent not kissing.

The longer it went the closer to each other you got, his one hand started to slide down your neck and then your waist when suddenly your hand hit a button and the movie that was still playing turned up to full volume.

Both scrambling for the remote he managed to shut the TV off, surrounding you both in the darkness of the night.

The two of you continued to kiss every once in a while but it didn't take long for the darkness to make you both sleepy and you ended up just cuddling. You fell asleep with your head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. He had one hand holding you close to him, as if someone was coming to steal you away. The other hand tracing up and down your back until he too, drifted off to sleep.

#criminal minds #spencer reid #criminal minds fandom #fandom #fanfic #bau #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x gn!reader #sofiareidings