A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Mellivora capensis
1 year old male
His name is BG. He was hand raised at the Johannesburg Zoo.
Spotted on Oct 21, 2011
Submitted on Oct 29, 2011
8 Comments
Hi Karen. I have added mission as requested. Thanks
Please can you also add this spotting to the Symbiotic Relationships mission as wild ratels have a relationship of this kind with honey guides -
The African honeyguide, as its name suggests, is a wizard at locating bee’s nests with a delicious supply of honey. The catch for the bird is that it is too small to enter the bee’s nest and is also afraid of the bees’ sting. It enlists the help of the more powerful ratel. With its coating of fur, the ratel is safe from the sting of the bees and he therefore fearlessly breaks open the nest and helps himself generously to the supply of honey. Once he is satisfied, he invites the honeyguide to take its share, probably a tip for helping him locate the honey.
I haven't. Will look out for it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Wonderful!
Have you ever read the book Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide" by Peter Allison? I highly recommend it - he has a hilarious story about a honey badger that "adopted" him.
No, he stinks terribly! So do I after a cuddle. So worth it though!
Wow! That must be amazing to be able to cuddle an animal with such a ferocious reputation! Has BG had his scent glands removed?
Hi Shelley, yes thats a honey badger I'm cuddling. His name is BG, he was handraised at the Johannesburg Zoo where I volunteer. He is very friendly, but can be very very naughty when he wants to be. Quite a privilege to have such a personal experience with an incredible animal.
Are you petting a honey badger in your profile pic??