[image:aquilaprivatereserve/instagram]

The ongoing storms in the Western Cape have taken an incalculable toll on the residents of the province, leaving one person dead, and more than 15,000 people displaced. But it’s not only the humans that are bearing the brunt of severe weather.

Nature is also at the mercy of nature, and all across the country, wildlife is having to navigate unnatural temperatures and weather conditions.

The Ceres, Worcester, Montagu and Matroosberg regions have been particularly hit with severe cold and are covered in a blanket of snow. To the animals in the Aquila Private Game Reserve in Touws River, this weather has changed their landscape into something resembling that of their Northern Hemisphere cousins.

Images and videos shared on social media captured a glimpse of Aquila’s wildlife – rhinos, elephants, lions and zebra, navigating the snowfall.

According to an article published by the reserve, the team of game rangers, conservation specialists, anti-poaching units and wildlife veterinarians maintain a close watch over the animals at all times to ensure that the severe weather does not harm its wildlife.

“While snow is a rare occurrence in the Western Cape, cold temperatures and icy conditions are an expected part of South Africa’s winter weather.”

Footage of a pride of lions, a lone giraffe and a dazzle of zebra navigate the icy landscape of Aquila was also surfaced on Instagram.

This looks like a scene from the Narnia movies.

Snow Safari ✅

It’s not everyday you’ll see lions in the snow. @yvettecarmen101 captured this beautiful moment earlier this week @AquilaSafaris 😍❄️🦁 pic.twitter.com/KIjKHR32EW

— Love Cape Town (@lovecapetown) July 11, 2024

While the recent storms are devastating and the damage to humans has been severe, nature seems to be taking it in its stride. This might also be a great time to visit Aquila, who knows when you’ll ever see a lion in the snow again?

 

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A post shared by Aquila Safari (@aquilasafaris)

[source:getaway]