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Home / Wildlife Diary
Wildlife Diary
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
African Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
Secretary Bird
Sagittarius serpentarius
Maasai Ostrich
Struthio camelus
Grey Crowned Crane
Balearica regulorum
Lilac-breasted Roller
Coracias caudatus
Superb Starling
Lamprotornis superbus
Kori Bustard
Ardeotis kori
Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumenifer
Somali Ostrich
Struthio molybdophanes
Bateleur Eagle
Terathopius ecaudatus
Yellow-billed Hornbill
Tockus flavirostris
Pygmy Falcon
Polihierax semitorquatus
Vulturine Guineafowl
Acryllium vulturinum
Ruppels Vulture
Leptoptilos crumenifer
African White-backed Vulture
Gyps africanus
Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture
Gyps rueppelli
Lappet-faced Vulture
Torgos tracheliotos
Hooded Vulture
Necrosyrtes monachus
Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopterus
African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Lion
Panthera leo
Leopard
Panthera pardus
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
African Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
Maasai Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
Common Zebra
Equus quagga
Vervet Monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
Black Rhinoceros
Diceros bicornis
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African Elephant
African Elephant

Scientific name: Loxodonta africana


Lifespan: 60–70 years


Gestation: 22 months


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Largest land mammal, highly intelligent with strong social bonds and a remarkable memory.
  • Strong familial bonds, highly intelligent
  • Known for their long migration routes.

Lion
Lion

Scientific name: Panthera leo


Lifespan: 12–16 years (wild)


Gestation: 110 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Lives in prides, males have majestic manes, and they are the only social big cats.
  • Live in prides (family groups) of 10–15 individuals, led by a dominant male.
  • Females do most of the hunting, while males defend the territory.
  • Roars can be heard up to 8 km (5 miles) away to establish dominance.

Leopard
Leopard

Scientific name: Panthera pardus


Lifespan: 12–17 years


Gestation: 90–105 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal and highly elusive, excellent climbers that often drag prey into trees.
  • Mostly solitary and hunt silently at night.
  • Store kills high up in trees to avoid scavengers.
  • Can see seven times better than humans in low light.
  • Have incredibly strong jaws and can kill prey with a single bite to the neck.

Cheetah
Cheetah

Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus


Lifespan: 10–12 years


Gestation: 90–95 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in short bursts.
  • Fastest land animal, reaching speeds of 112 km/h (70 mph).
  • Unlike lions and leopards, cheetahs hunt in daylight to avoid competition.
  • Have black "tear marks" under their eyes to reduce glare from the sun.

African Buffalo
African Buffalo

Scientific name: Syncerus caffer


Lifespan: 15–25 years


Gestation: 330–346 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Known for their unpredictable nature and strong herd mentality.
  • Highly unpredictable and dangerous to humans; strong social structures within herds.

Maasai Giraffe
Maasai Giraffe

Scientific name: Giraffa camelopardalis


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation: 400–460 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Tallest land animal, with a long neck adapted for browsing treetops.

Common Zebra
Common Zebra

Scientific name: Equus quagga


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation: 360–390 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Unique black-and-white striped coat, which helps with camouflage and temperature regulation.

Vervet Monkey
Vervet Monkey

Scientific name: Chlorocebus pygerythrus


Lifespan: 12–24 years in the wild


Gestation: 5.5 months (165 days)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Communication: Use specific alarm calls to warn about different predators.
  • Social Behavior: Live in groups of 10–50 individuals with defined social rankings.
  • Diet: Primarily frugivorous but also eat leaves, flowers, and insects.

White Rhino
White Rhino

Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum


Lifespan: 35–50 years


Gestation: 450 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

Black Rhinoceros
Black Rhinoceros

Scientific name: Diceros bicornis


Lifespan: 35–50 years


Gestation: 450 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Thick skin, solitary nature, and critical endangered status due to poaching.

Wildebeest
Wildebeest

Scientific name: Connochaetes taurinus


Lifespan: 20 years


Gestation: 250 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Famous for the Great Migration, where millions cross rivers facing crocodile predation.

Spotted Hyena
Spotted Hyena

Scientific name: Crocuta crocuta


Lifespan: 12–20 years in the wild


Gestation: 110 days (3.5 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Laughing Predators
  • Night hunters and scavengers, often stealing from lions.
  • Strongest jaws of any mammal, able to crush bones.
  • Use vocalizations like “laughs” and “whoops” to communicate.

Did you know that hyenas experience one of the most painful and difficult births of any animal? Female hyenas have a unique reproductive anatomy—what appears to be a penis is actually an elongated clitoris, known as a pseudo-penis. Their labia are fused, forming what looks like a scrotum.

When giving birth, the cub must pass through this narrow and elongated pseudo-penis, which often ruptures in the process. The birth canal is so tight that many first-time mothers do not survive labor, and a significant number of cubs suffocate before they can be born.

Mating is also complicated due to this unusual anatomy. The male must carefully navigate the female’s pseudo-penis to achieve successful copulation. This, combined with the hyena’s matriarchal social structure, makes their reproductive process one of the most fascinating yet challenging in the animal kingdom.

Warthog
Warthog

Scientific name: Phacochoerus africanus


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation: 170 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Can run at high speeds and kneels when grazing.

African Fish Eagle
African Fish Eagle

Scientific name: Haliaeetus vocifer


Lifespan: 12–24 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Iconic call and expert fishing abilities.

Secretary Bird
Secretary Bird

Scientific name: Sagittarius serpentarius


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Hunts snakes by stomping them to death with powerful legs.

Maasai Ostrich
Maasai Ostrich

Scientific name: Struthio camelus


Lifespan: 40–45 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Largest and fastest-running bird, capable of speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

Grey Crowned Crane
Grey Crowned Crane

Scientific name: Balearica regulorum


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Uganda’s national bird, famous for its elaborate courtship dances

Lilac-breasted Roller
Lilac-breasted Roller

Scientific name: Coracias caudatus


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Brightly colored and performs aerial acrobatics during mating displays.

Superb Starling
Superb Starling

Scientific name: Lamprotornis superbus


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Iridescent plumage and cooperative breeding behavior.

Kori Bustard
Kori Bustard

Scientific name: Ardeotis kori


Lifespan: 20–30 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • One of the heaviest flying birds, with elaborate courtship displays.

Marabou Stork
Marabou Stork

Scientific name: Leptoptilos crumenifer


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Scavenger that helps clean up carcasses and waste; has a bald head for hygiene.

Rothschild Giraffe
Rothschild Giraffe

Scientific name:


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation: 400–460 days


Found in: nakuru


Fun facts:

  • Scavenger that helps clean up carcasses and waste; has a bald head for hygiene.

Reticulated Giraffe
Reticulated Giraffe

Scientific name: Giraffa reticulata


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation: 400–460 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Distinctive net-like (reticulated) coat pattern, found mainly in northern Kenya and Somalia.

Grevy’s Zebra
Grevy’s Zebra

Scientific name: Equus grevyi


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation: 390 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Largest of all zebra species, with narrower stripes and large round ears
  • More endangered than the common plains zebra.

Beisa Oryx
Beisa Oryx

Scientific name: Oryx beisa


Lifespan: 15–20 years


Gestation: 270 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Can survive without water for long periods, extracting moisture from food.
  • Has striking straight horns.

Gerenuk
Gerenuk

Scientific name: Litocranius walleri


Lifespan: 10–12 years


Gestation: 165 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to reach high tree branches.

Somali Ostrich
Somali Ostrich

Scientific name: Struthio molybdophanes


Lifespan: 40–45 years


Gestation: 42 days (egg incubation)


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Males develop striking blue skin during breeding season.
  • Adapted to arid environments.

African Wild Dog
African Wild Dog

Scientific name: Lycaon pictus


Lifespan: 10–12 years


Gestation: 70 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Highly social pack hunters with an incredible hunting success rate.
  • Highly social pack hunters with strong bonds.
  • Have a hunting success rate of 80%, one of the highest among predators.
  • Each dog has a unique coat pattern, making them easy to identify.

Grant’s Gazelle
Grant’s Gazelle

Scientific name: Nanger granti


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation: 180 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Can survive in arid conditions without drinking water for long periods.
  • Can survive in dry environments without drinking water for long periods, obtaining moisture from plants.
  • Larger than Thomson’s gazelle and lacks the distinct black stripe.
  • Both males and females have lyre-shaped horns, though males’ horns are thicker and longer.

Kirk’s Dik-Dik
Kirk’s Dik-Dik

Scientific name: Madoqua kirkii


Lifespan: 6–10 years


Gestation: 170 days


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Tiny antelope with a highly developed sense of smell used for marking territory.

Bateleur Eagle
Bateleur Eagle

Scientific name: Terathopius ecaudatus


Lifespan: 20–25 years


Gestation:


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Unique rocking flight pattern and striking red facial skin.

Yellow-billed Hornbill
Yellow-billed Hornbill

Scientific name: Tockus flavirostris


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation:


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Known as the “flying banana” due to its large yellow beak.

Pygmy Falcon
Pygmy Falcon

Scientific name: Polihierax semitorquatus


Lifespan: 5–10 years


Gestation:


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Smallest raptor in Africa; often nests in abandoned weaver bird nests.

Vulturine Guineafowl
Vulturine Guineafowl

Scientific name: Acryllium vulturinum


Lifespan: 15–20 years


Gestation:


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:

  • Striking blue plumage and a bald head resembling a vulture.

Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus

Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius


Lifespan: 40–50 years


Gestation: 240 days (8 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Semi-aquatic mammals that spend most of their time in water to stay cool.
  • Have incredibly strong jaws that can open up to 150 degrees and deliver one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom (1,800 psi).
  • Despite their bulky appearance, they can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) on land for short bursts.
  • Their skin secretes a natural "sunscreen" called hipposudoric acid, which gives them a pinkish or reddish hue and protects against sunburn and bacteria.
Fun Facts About Hippos!
  1. They Can Sleep Underwater
    Hippos have a reflex that allows them to bob up to the surface, take a breath, and sink back down without waking up.
  2. They’re Closely Related to Whales
    Hippos and whales share a common ancestor that lived about 55 million years ago!
  3. They Don’t Actually Swim
    Instead of swimming, hippos "walk" or "bounce" along the riverbed because their bodies are too dense to float.
  4. They Are Surprisingly Fast
    Despite their size (up to 1,500 kg or 3,300 lbs), hippos can outrun a human over short distances!
  5. One of Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals
    Hippos are highly territorial in water and can be extremely aggressive, making them responsible for more human deaths in Africa than lions or crocodiles.
  6. Their Yawns Are Actually Threats
    When a hippo opens its mouth wide, it’s not being lazy—it’s showing off its massive teeth to warn others to stay away!
  7. They Have Huge Teeth That Never Stop Growing
    Their tusks (canine teeth) can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches) long and are used for fighting, not eating!

Thomson’s Gazelle
Thomson’s Gazelle

Scientific name: Eudorcas thomsonii


Lifespan: 10–15 years


Gestation: 180 days (6 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • One of the fastest gazelles, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
  • A favorite prey for cheetahs but escapes using sharp zigzag movements.
  • One of the fastest gazelles, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
  • A favorite prey for cheetahs but escapes using sharp zigzag movements.
  • Recognized by the bold black stripe along its side.

Impala
Impala

Scientific name: Aepyceros melampus


Lifespan: 12–15 years


Gestation: 195 days (6.5 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Excellent jumpers, leaping up to 3 meters (10 feet) high and 10 meters (33 feet) long to escape predators.
  • Males (rams) are territorial during mating season and engage in headbutting fights.
  • Often found near water sources and mixes with other herbivores like zebras and wildebeests.

Topi
Topi

Scientific name: Damaliscus lunatus jimela


Lifespan: 15 years


Gestation: 215 days (7 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Considered the fastest antelope, capable of running at 80 km/h (50 mph).
  • Has a reddish-brown coat with bluish patches on the upper legs.
  • Males often stand on termite mounds to survey their surroundings for predators and rivals.

Hartebeest (Kongoni)
Hartebeest (Kongoni)

Scientific name: Alcelaphus buselaphus cokei


Lifespan: 12–15 years


Gestation: 240 days (8 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • One of the most endurance-based antelopes, capable of running long distances at 60 km/h (37 mph).
  • Has a sloping back and elongated face with curved horns in both sexes.
  • Often lives in small herds and uses open plains to spot predators early.

Common Eland
Common Eland

Scientific name: Taurotragus oryx


Lifespan: 15–25 years


Gestation: 270 days (9 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Largest and slowest antelope, but can still jump 2.5 meters (8 feet) high!
  • Males develop a dewlap (loose skin under the neck) and emit a distinctive clicking sound when walking, likely due to their joints.
  • Both sexes have spiraled horns, but male horns are thicker.

Bushbuck
Bushbuck

Scientific name: Tragelaphus scriptus


Lifespan: 12 years


Gestation: 180 days (6 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Solitary and highly secretive, preferring dense vegetation.
  • Excellent swimmers and can escape predators by jumping into rivers.
  • Has a reddish-brown coat with white spots and stripes on its body.

Waterbuck
Waterbuck

Scientific name: Kobus ellipsiprymnus


Lifespan: 18–20 years


Gestation: 280 days (9 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Found near water sources, as they need to drink daily.
  • Have a greasy, water-resistant coat that emits a musky odor.
  • The white "toilet seat" ring on their rump makes them easy to identify.

Oribi
Oribi

Scientific name: Ourebia ourebi


Lifespan: 10–12 years


Gestation: 210 days (7 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Small, graceful, and often found in pairs rather than herds.
  • Uses tall grass for cover rather than speed to evade predators.
  • Has a white ring around its eyes, giving it an alert expression.

Serval Cat
Serval Cat

Scientific name: Leptailurus serval


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 75 days (2.5 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Have the largest ears relative to body size among wild cats, helping them detect prey underground.
  • Can jump 3 meters (10 feet) high to catch birds in midair.
  • Specialize in hunting rodents and birds in tall grass.

Caracal
Caracal

Scientific name: Caracal caracal


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 78–81 days (2.5–2.7 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Known for black-tufted ears, used for communication.
  • Can leap up to 3 meters (10 feet) into the air to catch birds.
  • Prefers hunting at night and is rarely seen during the day.

Bat-Eared Fox
Bat-Eared Fox

Scientific name: Otocyon megalotis


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Insect Hunter
  • Gigantic bat-like ears that detect insects underground.
  • 80% of its diet is termites—a natural pest controller!
  • Monogamous and raises pups together with its mate.

Honey Badger
Honey Badger

Scientific name: Mellivora capensis


Lifespan: 10 years in the wild


Gestation: 180 days (6 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Fearless Fighter
  • Immune to venom from cobras and scorpions.
  • Has thick, loose skin, allowing it to twist and escape predators.
  • One of the most fearless animals in Africa—attacks lions if provoked!

African Civet
African Civet

Scientific name: Civettictis civetta


Lifespan: 15–20 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Secretive Omnivore
  • Nocturnal and rarely seen, using scent-marking to communicate.
  • Eats everything—fruits, insects, rodents, and even carrion.
  • Produces civet musk, once used in high-end perfumes.

Black-Backed Jackal
Black-Backed Jackal

Scientific name: Lupulella mesomelas


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Named after its black saddle marking on the back.
  • Monogamous—mates for life.
  • Skilled hunter and scavenger, often seen stealing kills from lions and hyenas.

Side-Striped Jackal
Side-Striped Jackal

Scientific name: Lupulella adusta


Lifespan: 8–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Has light-colored stripes along its body.
  • More omnivorous than other jackals, feeding heavily on fruit.
  • Nocturnal and less aggressive than the black-backed jackal.

Golden Jackal
Golden Jackal

Scientific name: Canis aureus


Lifespan: 10–14 years in the wild


Gestation: 60–63 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Closely related to wolves and more social than other jackals.
  • Can adapt to varied diets, eating small mammals, birds, and carrion.
  • Known for high-pitched howls used to communicate over long distances.

Banded Mongoose
Banded Mongoose

Scientific name: Mungos mungo


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Live in large family groups (up to 30 members).
  • Recognizable by their dark horizontal bands on the back.
  • Highly social and move in tight-knit foraging packs.

Dwarf Mongoose
Dwarf Mongoose

Scientific name: Helogale parvula


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 49 days (1.6 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Smallest carnivore in Africa.
  • Lives in termites mounds, often sharing them with warthogs.
  • Has a strict social hierarchy, with an alpha female leading the group.

White-Tailed Mongoose
White-Tailed Mongoose

Scientific name: Ichneumia albicauda


Lifespan: 10–13 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Largest mongoose species in the Maasai Mara.
  • Nocturnal and mostly solitary.
  • Has a distinctive fluffy white tail used for signaling.

Slender Mongoose
Slender Mongoose

Scientific name: Galerella sanguinea


Lifespan: 10–12 years in the wild


Gestation: 60 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Very agile and fast, often hunting small rodents and birds.
  • Solitary and highly territorial.
  • Can climb trees to escape predators.

Bush Babies
Bush Babies

Scientific name: Galago spp.


Lifespan: 10–15 years in the wild


Gestation: 110–140 days (3.5–4.5 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Tiny Acrobats
  • Can leap 10 times their body length in a single jump!
  • Huge eyes for night vision and bat-like ears for detecting insects.
  • Make baby-like cries, earning them the name &dlquo;bush babies.&drquo;

Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl

Scientific name: Bubo lacteus


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation: 38 days


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Largest African Owl
  • Pink eyelids—the only owl species with this feature!
  • Hunts small mammals, birds, and even monkeys at night.
  • Can take down porcupines and even young antelopes!

Nightjars
Nightjars

Scientific name: Caprimulgidae family


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Mysterious Camouflaged Birds
  • Perfect camouflage—they blend into tree bark or ground leaves.
  • Only active at night, catching insects in mid-air.
  • Nicknamed the “ghost birds” due to their silent flight.

African Wild Cat
African Wild Cat

Scientific name: Felis lybica


Lifespan: 12–15 years in the wild


Gestation: 63–68 days (2 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • The Ancestor of Domestic Cats
  • Looks like a large tabby cat but is purely wild.
  • Extremely stealthy and rarely seen, hunting rodents at night.
  • Thought to be the ancestor of all domestic cats!

Nile Crocodile
Nile Crocodile

Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus


Lifespan: 50–100 years (some live over 100!)


Gestation: (Egg Incubation): 80–90 days (~3 months)


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Crocodiles never stop growing throughout their lives—this is why older crocs are much bigger than younger ones! Some ancient crocodiles are estimated to have reached 10 meters (33 feet) in length!
  • They Can Hold Their Breath for Over an Hour
    Crocodiles can slow their heart rate to just 2–3 beats per minute, allowing them to stay underwater for up to two hours while waiting for prey.
  • One of the Strongest Bite Forces in the Animal Kingdom
    Bite force: ~5,000 psi (pounds per square inch), stronger than lions, tigers, or great white sharks!
    This allows them to crush bones and tear through tough prey.
  • Ancient Dinosaurs of the Water
    Crocodiles have been around for over 200 million years, meaning they lived alongside dinosaurs!
    They have changed very little in evolution, making them one of the most successful surviving reptiles.
  • They Can Sleep with One Eye Open
    Crocodiles have unihemispheric sleep, meaning one half of their brain sleeps while the other stays awake.
    This lets them stay alert for threats and prey, even while resting.
  • Gender Is Determined by Egg Temperature
    If crocodile eggs incubate below 30°C (86°F) → Mostly females hatch.
    If eggs incubate above 33°C (91°F) → Mostly males hatch.
    Temperatures in between produce a mix of males and females!
  • They "Cry" But Not Because They’re Sad
    When crocodiles eat, they sometimes appear to “cry.”
    This happens because air forces tears from their tear glands, not because they feel emotions.
  • They Can Survive Months Without Eating
    Crocodiles have an ultra-slow metabolism, meaning they can go up to a year without food in extreme cases!
    However, when food is available, they can eat half their body weight in one meal.
  • Their Stomach Can Dissolve Bones & Hooves
    Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach of any vertebrate, allowing them to digest bones, hooves, and even horns from large prey like zebras and wildebeests.
  • Mother Crocodiles Are Super Protective
    Despite their ferocious nature, female crocodiles are caring mothers.
    They gently carry their hatchlings in their mouths to water and guard them from predators.
  • They Can Run Faster Than You Think
    On land, crocodiles can sprint up to 17 km/h (11 mph) for short distances.
    This is faster than many humans can run—so never underestimate a crocodile on land!

Olive Baboon
Olive Baboon

Scientific name: Papio anubis


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation: 6 months (180 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Social Structure: Live in large troops that can number over 100 individuals, exhibiting complex social hierarchies.
  • Diet: Omnivorous; consume fruits, leaves, insects, and small mammals.
  • Adaptability: Highly adaptable to various habitats, from savannas to forests.

Yellow Baboon
Yellow Baboon

Scientific name: Leptoptilos crumenifer


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

Ruppels Vulture
Ruppels Vulture

Scientific name: Leptoptilos crumenifer


Lifespan: 25–30 years


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

African White-backed Vulture
African White-backed Vulture

Scientific name: Gyps africanus


Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild


Gestation: Typically breed once every 1–2 years


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Critical Role: Serve as nature’s cleanup crew, consuming carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases
  • Declining Numbers: Populations have faced significant declines due to poisoning and habitat loss.
  • Flight: Soar at high altitudes using thermal currents to locate food over vast areas.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture
Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture

Scientific name: Gyps rueppelli


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Description: Recognized by its pale head and neck, dark brown body, and distinctive white markings on the underwing
  • Habitat: Commonly found in savannas, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
  • Notable Locations: Observed in various national parks, including Hell's Gate National Park.
  • Unique Trait: Holds the record for the highest-flying bird, with confirmed flights at altitudes up to 11,300 meters (37,000 feet).

Lappet-faced Vulture
Lappet-faced Vulture

Scientific name: Torgos tracheliotos


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Description: The largest vulture in Africa, characterized by its bare reddish head and large size.
  • Habitat: Prefers arid savannas and semi-deserts.
  • Notable Locations: Spotted in several Kenyan national parks, contributing to the scavenging community.
  • Diet: Capable of tearing through tough hides and tendons, often feeding on larger carcasses.

Hooded Vulture
Hooded Vulture

Scientific name: Necrosyrtes monachus


Lifespan:


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Description: Smaller vulture with a thin bill and bare, pale face.
  • Habitat: Found in open grasslands, forests, and near human settlements.
  • Notable Locations: Present in various Kenyan national parks and reserves.
  • Behavior: Often seen near human habitation, feeding on scraps and waste.

Egyptian Vulture
Egyptian Vulture

Scientific name: Neophron percnopterus


Lifespan:


Gestation:


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Description: Medium-sized vulture with white plumage and a yellow face.
  • Habitat: Inhabits open areas, including deserts and savannas.
  • Notable Locations: Occasionally observed in Kenyan national parks during migration periods.
  • Unique Trait: Known to use tools, such as rocks, to break open eggs—a rare behavior among birds.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Lesser Galago
Lesser Galago

Scientific name: Galago senegalensis


Lifespan: 15 years in the wild


Gestation: 4 months (120 days).


Found in: mara


Fun facts:

  • Nocturnal Lifestyle: Active at night with large eyes adapted for night vision.
  • Leaping Ability: Can leap several meters between trees using strong hind limbs.
  • Diet: Insectivorous, also consuming fruits and gums.

Stripped Hyena
Stripped Hyena

Scientific name: Crocuta crocuta


Lifespan: 25 years


Gestation: 9 months


Found in: samburu


Fun facts:
l live in a lake