This is basically the most exciting news ever!
In 40 years at Londolozi, head tracker Richard Siwela has never seen the like. Nor has Sandros Sihlangu, senior ranger. Dave Varty, Jerry Hambana, Judas Ngomane…. ask all the elders at Londolozi if they have ever seen an ostrich nesting on Londolozi soil before, and the answer is the same. A firm and unequivocal “No”.
But the unthinkable has occurred. The fantasy scenario that all rangers and trackers, as well as countless guests from across the world, have imagined over the last three years, has become reality, and the female Ostrich has a clutch of eggs.
I’m sure many followers of Londolozi’s social media offerings will be familiar with the character of the female ostrich, but let’s take this opportunity to briefly journey back in order to fully appreciate just what an amazing story this is…
In late 2013 a female Ostrich arrived in the Open Areas of Londolozi. Going with the odds, we all assumed she’d either head back to where she came from (we presume the Kruger Park), or get eaten. We were all proved wrong thankfully, and she took up residence, becoming a familiar sight down in the grasslands.
Fast forward to mid-2016 and her behaviour had become, to put it mildly, unique for a female ostrich in the wild. Although we hesitate to ascribe human emotions to animals, it seemed clear that the female was lonely, and that in the absence of any type of natural ostrich companionship whatsoever, she was seeking out Land Rovers to associate with, often approaching the game drive vehicles from out of the bushes when they were least expecting it.
Then suddenly one day, two males arrived out of the blue, much like the female had done all those moons ago. Within 48 hours the ostriches – both males and the female – had been seen together, but although mating displays were witnessed as well as one or two copulations, no-one seriously believed that anything would come of it.
Once again, and to our complete delight, we were proved wrong.
The following video reveals what ranger Melvin Sambo and tracker Milton Khoza discovered only a short while ago:
We have no way of knowing exactly when the eggs were laid, but suspect it may have been up to a month ago. Given that ostrich eggs take over a month to hatch, it is likely that the great day is approaching, and we may have the incredible privilege of witnessing the first clutch of ostrich chicks to hatch on Londolozi soil.
The first egg count when Melvin and Milton discovered the nest was 12, but it seems that some have been lost to unknown causes, as a few days ago (when the video was filmed) the count seemed to be 8.
Whatever the number, we are of course incredibly hopeful that at least a few chicks can hatch.
What will happen then remains to be seen. Could we witness little chicks being raised to independence in such a dangerous environment? Ostrich parents can be viciously protective of their eggs and subsequent brood, so we are holding thumbs that they can keep the nest and any chicks that hatch safe…
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb] (26)](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10105855/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-26-280x178.jpg)
So very happy for Madonna!
Wonderful James, It is going to take some fierce protecting to protect the remaining eggs and then raise chicks considering the raptors, jackals, hyena, cheetah – I get a pineapple in my chest thinking about what lies ahead of them but will be watching with interest.
Hi David,
The nest was actually found because the male ostrich was viciously going after a herd of elephants who had strayed too close! They were squealing and trumpeting, and upon investigation Melvin and Milton found the eggs…
If there was one animal that seems to be the favourite of all the rangers- it’s the ostrich
I suspect it is the only creature on Londolozi prefixed by the word “The”. Well let’s hope this story has a happy ending
So fun!!
What a lovely surprise! And: Congratulations, dear ostriches.
We have our fingers crossed!!?
This is the most fantastic news and I was SO excited when I received your email about this! I particularly love the video footage you have supplied as this makes me feel as if I’m there (and not stuck in the office, wishing I was there!). I can’t wait for future posts about this ostrich! Good luck girl!!
Thomas and I spent many days passing a lonely ostrich on the way to school and we are so happy and overjoyed by the news of the expecting chicks. Just wish we can come back ( home) and see them. Emma (9yrs).
Hi Emma,
We miss you all!
I hope there’ll be some chicks around when you come back 🙂
Very exciting news indeed James!! I hope they will be able to raise these chicks to independence — that would be such an incredible accomplishment! I’ll be watching the blog for the next update on our amazing female Ostrich and family.
Oh wow, that is fantastic news! I’ll be there in February and can’t wait to see them. Welcome to Londolozi little ones! Stay safe.
Can anything be done to protect the eggs from predators, or is the Londolozi policy to leave consequences to nature?
Hi Zsolt,
The policy is one of non-intervention, although the adult ostriches themselves should be fiercely protective, so we may not have to do anything anyway,,,
What great news. Hoping the hatchlings thrive.
Such exciting news, can’t wait to hear what happens next.
Such exciting news. Will always remember her coming right up to us one evening having sundowners. Best of luck “Mum”
We will all be praying for a happy outcome, if only we could protect the remaining eggs.
My day starts with my Londolozi blog and there is no better way to start the day. It doesn’t get much better than that. Do hope the happy event is due very soon. Good luck beautiful girl.
How exciting! Hopeful for hatches. Been following the ostrich blogs and can’t imagine how she survived on her own for so long and now this chance. Love this widely independent girl! Would be thrilled to get a glance at her on next Londolozi visit!
Well if it can happen for her, maybe it can still happen for me! What extraordinary news!
Thanks for the comments, everyone! We’re going to be putting up a camera trap near the nest so we can monitor what happens when we’re not there….
Here’s keeping fingers crossed to the successful hatching of the remaining eggs!
Can’t wait to see when they hatch! Was fascinating to watch the change over of guards at the nest – just hope they survive! Look forward to reading the updates 🙂
A wonderful gift for the celebration of Londolozi 90th anniversary !