As the sun dips below the horizon and the day shift of the Waterberg settles in, a new world awakens in the shadows. Among the most enchanting nocturnal residents at Mabalingwe are our bush babies. These tiny, large-eyed primates are known for their incredible leaping abilities and their distinctive, child-like cries that echo through the night.
At the reserve, we have two very special ambassadors: Gizmo and Gadget. While they are small in size, they have a big story to tell about how we interact with the wildlife around us.
Life as a Forager
In the wild, bush babies are what we call foragers and are primarily insectivores, meaning they spend their nights hunting for insects and snacking on tree gum. However, Gizmo and Gadget enjoy a bit of a sweet treat at the office! To keep their energy and glucose levels up, we feed them small portions of apples – usually just enough to keep them healthy and active for their nighttime adventures.
A Vital Lesson in Conservation
Gizmo and Gadget are hand-raised here at Mabalingwe, but their story started with a common mistake made by well-meaning visitors. They were brought to us after guests found them unattended and decided to pick them up.
In the wild, mothers will often leave their babies in a safe spot – like a hollow tree or a quiet corner of a chalet – while they go out to forage. If a human touches the baby, it leaves behind a foreign scent. When the mother returns and detects that human scent, she will often reject the baby, leaving it unable to survive on its own.
Look, But Don’t Touch
If you ever spot a baby animal -whether it’s a bush baby, a bird, or a small antelope – appearing “abandoned” near your unit, the best thing you can do is leave it alone. The mother is likely close by, waiting for the area to be clear so she can reclaim her little one. By keeping your distance, you’re giving that animal its best chance at a life in the wild.
While Gizmo and Gadget are happy and well-cared for at Mabalingwe, they serve as a living reminder that the best way to love nature is to respect its boundaries.
Want to learn more about the nocturnal secrets of the bush? Join us for a night drive and keep your spotlights ready for the glint of those big bush baby eyes in the trees!
