Western Cape Wildlife is loving the peace and quiet of lockdown

From a family of Cape Foxes to Cape Mountain Leopards and even a dolphin super pod

 

Humans might be under lockdown, but other Capetonians have been enjoying life as usual, soaking up the last few sunny days before winter.  A few videos and pictures have shown up online during lockdown, featuring some truly magical moments. Here are some of our favourites. 

THOUSANDS OF DOLPHINS DELIGHTED RESIDENTS IN HOUT BAY
The dolphin super-pod frolicked just off the Hout Bay beachfront, and local Hout Bay resident Gershwin Christian Williams captured this incredible drone footage. 

A TRIO OF PENGUINS TOOK A STROLL THROUGH SIMON'S TOWN
The penguins took advantage of the safe, quiet streets to stretch their legs while the rest of us were staying indoors. 

A LEOPARD AND PORCUPINE PRACTISE SOCIAL DISTANCING
The two were caught on camera recently near Piketberg, maintaining a good six feet of social distance.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Today SA joins much of the world in a collective act of cooperation in an effort to minimise the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our communities and landscapes. This is an unprecedented global situation and we will have to adapt to a situation outside of our control. Leopards don't understand 'Lockdown', and @capeleopardtrust will be continuing to work hard for our wildlife remotely, although we will be downscaling our operations. We are all in this together, and as we face the unknown, we should be mindful that many people around us are facing huge challenges. This is an opportunity for each of us to step up and help society wherever we can, and to adhere to the conditions set by the government for our own well-being and safety. Let’s also take a leaf out of this leopard's book, and be sure to practice #PhysicalDistancing at those times when we do leave our homes! We wish all of our friends, supporters and fellow conservation organisations well during this time of uncertainty. [Keep an eye on our page for a follow-up story on what transpired between the leopard and porcupine!]

A post shared by The Cape Leopard Trust (@capeleopardtrust) on Mar 27, 2020 at 6:24am PDT

WATCH: A CAPE LEOPARD GROWLS FOR THE CAMERA 
Our hearts skipped a beat watching this beauty pause in front of the camera for a guttural growl, before slinking off into the night.

A CARACAL ROAMS AT WESTLAKE
The City of Cape Town recently installed new camera traps. The aim, they said, is “to monitor fauna at the Westlake Conservation Centre during the lockdown period. These camera traps enable staff to monitor changes in fauna activity at Westlake with there being far less human disturbance.”

ULTRA-RARE CAPE FOXES FROLICKING AT VERGELEGEN
These shy animals are usually very hard to spot, but the Vergelegen staff were treated to a whole family of Cape Foxes enjoying the sunny weather on the farm.

 ---

Celebrate local female talent for a heartwarming cause with The Venus Project

Share in a moment of joy, and watch South Africans arrive home in song.

Beat lockdown boredom with OMG Quiz nights.

You can also still live a little: find something to do this weekend. 

Keep up to speed with all the latest lockdown updates.

Stay abreast of the news on the coronavirus in Cape Town

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.