Africa Freak | Published News

Orphaned Rhino Recovers Sight After Cataract Surgery

AfricaFreak — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:10:15 CST

Vets in South Africa operated on 11-month-old Roccy after the young animal developed cataracts following a brutal attack last year.

Green Energy Key to Lighting Up Africa

AfricaFreak — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:04:33 CST

Nineteenth-century European explorers called Africa the “Dark Continent,” because to them it was vast and largely unknown.

Today, the continent may still be dark, but for a very different reason: it is chronically short of electricity.

Africa’s Oceans: A Sea of Riches

AfricaFreak — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:51:26 CST

Coastal waters could feed many more Africans, but need better protection.

Tiny Lizards Found in Madagascar

AfricaFreak — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:48:31 CST

One of the world's tiniest lizards has been discovered by keen-eyed researchers in Madagascar.

Diving with Wild Crocodiles

AfricaFreak — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:43:10 CST

As prehistoric predators, crocodiles have a fearsome man-eating reputation, but little is known of their behaviour underwater in the wild. Now scientists are risking their lives to study the reptiles in their natural habitat. But can it ever be safe to dive with a crocodile?

Less than 450 Painted Dogs Left in South Africa

AfricaFreak — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:52:08 CST

The painted dog's situation is critical, and snares can sometimes wipe out an entire pack in a matter of hours. The Wildlife ACT Fund has partnered with Woolworths South Africa to raise the profile of painted dogs and in turn collar as many of them as possible.

Gabon: Surfing Hippos, Lacking Tourists

AfricaFreak — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:08:30 CST

A decade ago Gabon set aside 10% of its land for national parks. It wanted to become Africa's version of Costa Rica - a magnet for eco-tourists. But turning Gabon's natural assets into tourist cash has been tougher than expected.

Charged by a Black Rhino

AfricaFreak — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:27:42 CST

The scene takes place in Zimbabwe at the Malilangwe Wildlife reserve. While working on a story about African rhinos for National Geographic, Boyd Matson decided it would add a nice visual element to the piece if they tracked some black rhinos on foot. He just hadn’t planned on getting this close to the animal...

Price of Gorilla Permit Increases to $750/Day

AfricaFreak — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:11:52 CST

Rwanda has raised the price of a permit to see mountain gorillas to $750 per day starting June 1, 2012, up from $500.

Zambia Wins Historic Tournament

AfricaFreak — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:04:14 CST

Zambia makes history by winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time! Well done to the Chipololo...you guys made us all proud! :)

GO CHIPOS, GO - Chipolopolo Africa Unlimited

AfricaFreak — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:11:59 CST

The country of Zambia's always had a special place in my heart (I used to live there)...so needless to say I'm very proud of the Chipololos, and I truly hope they take the Cup on Sunday. Go Chipos, go! :)

The Best of Zambia Online Magazine

AfricaFreak — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:45:34 CST

A monthly publication that is particularly relevant for people living in Zambia. The magazine is packed full of the latest events, special offers and news from members of thebestofzambia.com. It is distributed through the site and blog as well as its associated Facebook, Twitter and E-newsletter subscribers (A social media readership of around 8,000 lovely people).

Umfolozi Mud Bath Starring Baby Elephant

AfricaFreak — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:45:32 CST

Baby elephant needs assistance getting out of a mud pond...very funny to watch! :)

See Spectacular Wildlife at the Okavango Delta

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:42:57 CST

Meet Botswana's elephants, giraffes, lions and more up close at the Okavango Delta on a bespoke safari.

Wild at Heart

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:38:35 CST

Beneath the searing 'eye of the day', Louise Southerden hikes in some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the world.

New Species of Ancient Crocodile Discovered; 'Sheildcroc' Was Ancestor of Today's Species

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:33:32 CST

University of Missouri researcher has identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile. The extinct creature, nicknamed "Shieldcroc" due to a thick-skinned shield on its head, is an ancestor of today's crocodiles.

Satellite Study Reveals Critical Habitat and Corridors for World's Rarest Gorilla

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:26:44 CST

Conservationists working in Central Africa to save the world's rarest gorilla have good news: the Cross River gorilla has more suitable habitat than previously thought, including vital corridors that, if protected, can help the great apes move between sites in search of mates, according to the North Carolina Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and other groups.

Africa à la Mode

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:21:21 CST

Africa Fashion Week is becoming an established part of the international calendar. The photographer and style director Michael Roberts, on the judging panel at the last event in Johannesburg, describes some of the highlights.

Could Drought Threaten South Africa's Rooibos Tea?

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:15:16 CST

The world has developed a taste for South Africa's rooibos tea in recent years, mainly because of its perceived health benefits. But the tea only grows in this small area and erratic weather patterns - blamed by some on climate change - mean the plant and the new industry are now under threat.

Racial Antidote to Apartheid Poison Has Unwanted Side Effects

AfricaFreak — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:08:05 CST

'Target' system: the University of Cape Town's race-aware admissions policy has caused controversy, with one professor saying that it was 'an insult to believe that I am disadvantaged because of the colour of my skin'.