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The Ugly Five animals of Africa

Meet the Ugly Five - the 'other' big five

When we think of African game, we almost always think of the most famous animals around, the Big Five. The Big Five includes the lion, the buffalo, the elephant, the leopard and the rhino.

But did you know? There is also a group of animals called the Ugly Five. The ugly five are awarded the title of the ugliest animals found in Africa.

The members of this most exclusive of clubs are the hyena, wildebeest, vulture, warthog and the marabou stork.

Although they do not get nearly the same well deserved recognition as the Big Five, they are featured in many wildlife documentaries. We have all seen documentaries showing hyenas and lions battling it out over dominance of a kill, or a flock of vulture busy feasting on the remains of an elephant. The Ugly Five definitely adds to the experience of going on safari in South Africa.

It is in part due to the contribution of these animals in nature that the Big Five can be projected in such a positive light in so many wildlife films.

 

Hyena - almost always seen as the backstabbing opportunist	Vulture - Depicted as the scavenger that will eat anything
Wildebeest - Lunch for the Lion	Warthog - The cut pig, always being chased and bullied by a leopard
Marabou Stork - The old, crinkly bird watching events unfold from the sidelines

 

Yes, they are the underdogs to the Big Five champions. But is it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, if that is the case, then to me, the Ugly Five are some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures to ever walk the earth.

We as a people and the custodians of nature should feel blessed and honored to be able to witness their lives in the wild.