Bush Babies!

Life at the Action for Cheetahs in Kenya (ACK) camp in Meibae does not only revolve around cheetah talk, although they are the subject of most of the conversations at the dinner table. Time spent in the dining area is filled with various animal species whom we have come to expect and share our daily lives with. Among the animals that share our space are three lesser galagos, more commonly known as bushbabies. These three had been living in the space between the makuti, or thatch roof, and our iron sheet roof. However, during the heat of the day, they are forced to seek refuge elsewhere as their home becomes too hot. I brought a box from home, which was designed for a bush baby occupancy study, to see if they would choose to live there.

For a while, no one knew whether they had started occupying the box but during one of our staff meetings, a staff member noticed a foot poking out of the hole. After examination, we concluded that it was a bushbaby. Yeeeees! Finally, they had started using the box to get out of the hot roof.

We have learned a lot about bush babies from this experience. From how their feet look, to their calls at night. I never knew how loud their calls were until I started following them keenly. Apart from providing them with a box for accommodation, we maintain a ‘no interference’ stance. They seem to tolerate us being around when they come out in the evening to go forage. On those dark and silent nights, I will keenly follow their calls and sometimes they will bounce off the tent shade poles, much to the surprise of the occupants, especially if they are fearful.