Corbin returns to NBC Today on Monday, April 1st during the 8am hour.
Second Day in the Mara
There are moments in life one never forgets. Experiences that change a person forever. For me, the second day in the Masai Mara did just that. If anything, this is the day that I fell in love with Africa.
Forward: I wrote this blog back in January of 2012 shortly after my first visit to Africa. Using my journal as a reference, I recounted all of the amazing experiences during my second day in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Now having found it in the blog archives, I’m finally thrilled to be able to share it with all of you.
Today I was more determined than ever to complete the “Big Five” checklist. We had still not seen lion, leopard, or rhino.
We didn’t have to drive far to find our first pair of animals. Black-backed Jackals are quite common in the Mara and form unique pair bonds until one mate dies.
Black-backs are the most aggressive of the jackals found in Africa and regularly scavenge kills alongside lions and hyenas. Still they have to watch out for predators; leopards who have a known preference for dog meat, commonly prey on adults.
Once again, this is for you birders out there! This is a Helmeted Guineafowl.
Everyone in the Mara was on the lookout for Simba. No lions had been seen the day before and many of us were starting to get anxious.
I am proud to say that I was the first person to spot the lions! I remember yelling at our driver James: “Lions, Lions, Lions!”
I could not believe it. My first wild lions. James then explained that these lions were part of the Ridge Pride; made famous by BBC’s Big Cat Diary. I had never been so starstuck in my entire life!
Looking back at the pictures now, I can see how thin these lions actually were. The unusually long grass made it difficult for predators to scan the Mara for prey.
This site reminded me of my emus back at home! Pictured is their close relative, the Ostrich.
This is a Coke’s Hartebeest. They once were Africa’s widest-ranging antelope: Now their numbers are greatly reduced due to habitat loss, livestock, and poaching.
Want to know what animal we observed the longest? You’re taking a look at it! The reason behind this was no one (including our resident bird experts) had seen anything like it. We all agreed it was a snake eagle of some sort.
On our way to breakfast we spotted a lone hyena. On TV you generally see them only in clans, but in reality they spend a great deal of their time individually patrolling their clan’s territory.
Could life get any better? Sipping tea in the Mara. We had a great breakfast by Rhino Ridge where I can clearly remember not being able to stroll far from the vehicle because of lions and hyenas.
The tall grass made it extremely difficult to distinguish between animal species. Nine times out of ten the “hyena” turned out to be a warthog. This time we were lucky.
Some veteran visitors to the Mara were quite concerned about the giraffe population. There just didn’t seem to be any around. You can imagine how happy we were to find this one! As sad as it is, giraffes in the Masai Mara have declined by over 70%.
The reason behind their decline is competition with cattle grazing inside the reserve. Although it is illegal, scientists claim that cattle grazing has increased by more than 1,100% in the Masai Mara.
Truly remarkable; I couldn’t imagine an Africa without giraffes. As we were enjoying our close encounter with the herd our driver James all of a sudden yelled: “We need to go!” “Sit down everyone.” “There’s a rhino!!!”
How incredible! James found one of the only 20-30 Black Rhinos left in the Masai Mara. Considering the reserve is the size of Rhode Island, it is like finding a needle in a haystack.
The rhinoceroses decline is no mystery. Beginning in the 1970’s the demand for their horn made it more precious than gold. Poachers eliminated entire populations; reducing their numbers to only a few thousand.
If you plan on seeing a rhino in the Mara, you probably won’t. They are extremely rare and the ones who get accustomed to vehicles often become an easy target for poachers.
In a matter of minutes as fast as the rhino appeared, it soon disappeared into the bush. I was amazed at how such a large creature could just “dissolve” right in front of my eyes. Unfortunately, scientists predict this animal will more than likely become extinct within our lifetime. To see the footage visit this link: http://www.kivitv.com/goodmorningidaho/146981255.html
As we approached the Mara River, we continually saw Topi on mounds. Territorial and non-territorial individuals use these mounds frequently as a sign of dominance as well to scan the landscape for predators.
The Topi's unique narrow muzzle and mobile lips allow it to feed upon the freshest and greenish grass. It was no wonder we saw so many: The Mara had received quite a bit of rain making the vegetation flourish.
On the way to the Mara River in a small elongated pool I spotted a baby Nile Crocodile!!! Mind you that we were in a safari vehicle driving several feet away. For some reason I have a knack for spotting crocodiles or Mamba as they like to call it in the Mara. Can you find it?
As we approached the Mara River, you could see how eroded the banks were due to the 1.5 million animals that cross it every year. This was a famous wildebeest crossing point; part of one of the greatest spectacles on earth.
Basking on the banks were giant Nile Crocodiles!!! This modern-day-dinosaur outweighs all of the big cats and is arguably the most voracious predator.
With over two tons of protective mother, this baby hippo is completely safe living amongst giant crocodiles.
There are no restrooms on the Mara. To go, you have to pick a safe place, hop out of the safari vehicle, and hurry! I found it so interesting that our driver James never let us out if there weren’t warthogs around. He said that if there were warthogs, we would be safe. They have great senses and can detect predators.
Soon after I noticed vultures circling ahead. Dr. Virani always told us that vultures in the sky were a great indication of a kill.
We are not the only animals that do this. Lions, hyenas, and other scavengers depend on vultures to find carcasses. This hyena was headed in the same direction as us.
The hyena passed right by our vehicle. It was so close I honestly could have reached out and touched it.
The vultures led us right to an unusual, fairly stripped clean carcass. My first thought was what in the world was it? It turns out this was a 2-3 day old hippo carcass.
This was Africa. It was one of the most defining moments of my life and truly changed me forever. No words, pictures, or videos can describe this very moment. I instantly knew why so many people were transfixed by the Masai Mara.
Scavengers like this African White-backed Vulture are so important for the African ecosystem. They often get such a bad wrap, but in reality if we didn’t have them, there would be no Africa. It would be completely taken over by carcases and disease.
There wasn’t much left of the hippo but the skin. Ironically enough hyenas utilize carcasses more efficiently than any other predator in Africa. They can completely digest skin, fur, bones, and hooves within 24 hours.
The Masai Mara has lost over 70% of its vultures to poisoning, habitat loss, and persecution. In East Africa alone six out of the eight species are facing an extinction threat. Education is the number way we are going to save vultures for future generations.
Vultures aren’t the only animals that are threatened. Large carnivores like hyenas are also facing the same fate. As Africa’s population increases, there are more human and animal conflicts.
Directly behind us there was a young male lion. Several years ago lion populations numbered over 400,000 in Africa. Now there are only a staggering 20,000 left in all of Africa.
James later explained that these lions were part of the Serena Pride. Their pride leaders Notch and sons (famous for starring in Disney’s African Cats) were killing hippos at the time and were probably responsible for the death of the hippo.
Never in my life had I been surrounded by so many different animals. In front of us was a lone bull elephant, hippo, and crocodile. To our left was the carcass, behind that was the lion pride, to the right was a herd of buffalo, and far off in the distance was a herd of giraffe. I was in heaven.
Unlike the family of elephants we say the day prior, male elephants (like this one) live alone or in bachelor herds.
We had checked off all of the animals belonging to the “Big Five” except the leopard. I was determined to find one. Here we are literally in the middle of Smelly Crossing looking for a famous leopard named Olive.
On the way we spotted another lone bull elephant.
This could not have been better leopard territory. Still no leopard.
As the sun was beginning to set, we had the amazing opportunity of photographing these roosting vultures.
The second day on the Mara could not have gone better. It was more than I had ever expected and truly changed my life. My time in Africa though was slowly dwindling. The clock was ticking. I had less than a day left in the Mara and I was determined to see a leopard...
To watch the “Africa Blooper” reel visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvRSiKZwGQg
First and foremost, I have to give special thanks to Dr. Munir Virani from the Peregrine Fund for organizing and setting up this amazing opportunity. I also would like to thank Dr. Marc Bechard from Boise State University for accompanying us on the adventure. I also have to give thanks to Matt McDonald; without him the footage and these amazing pictures would not exist. Thanks buddy! Last but not least I have to give credit to Richard D. Este's book The Safari Companion. It was a fantastic guide that I used religiously during my stay in Africa.
Afterword: That trip truly did change my life. Although we never saw a leopard the next day, it gave me inspiration to return. Upon arriving back in the states I was determined to find a way to get back to Africa. After doing countless hours of research and writing proposals, my dream became a reality. In late August of 2012 I returned to the Masai Mara during the Great Migration. I teamed up with Dr. Munir Virani and began filming “Through the Eyes of a Vulture;” a documentary about the plight of East Africa’s vultures. The documentary is set to premiere in the spring of 2013.
Larger Than Life: The remarkable journey of a lizard named Scooter.
In life there are animals and people that leave their mark on the world. They touch the lives of the individuals they cross and create unforgettable memories. Most of the time it’s people we hear about. There are always exceptions to this rule. This is Scooter’s story:
Forward: I would be lying if I said writing this blog was easy. Matter of fact I’ve put it off for quite sometime. When you lose an animal so close to you, it’s extremely hard to talk, think; let alone write about it.
The following blog is a collection of my favorite memories, moments, and appearances featuring our #1 Animal Ambassador; Scooter the Green Iguana.
Scooter James came to us in the winter of 2006. He arrived emaciated, dehydrated, and full of parasites. He was one of the last surviving members of the “River Festival Iguanas;” a group of iguanas that were infamously given away as prizes at a local Boise festival. His old owners confessed to feeding him pizza, spaghetti, and ice cream; a diet not appropriate for a strict vegetarian. It took several months for Scooter to gain a healthy weight (imagine trying to gain weight eating veggies)!
He soon became a star during our educational outreach programs. Looking back now I don’t think he ever turned down a banana!
Scooter always had a calm disposition. I would regularly let him join the tortoises in their outdoor yard to graze and soak up the summer sunshine.
It wasn’t long before “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” came calling. I got my start appearing on Tonight and was thrilled that I was invited back to share one of my favorite new animals.
Hanging out in the car with Scooter headed to the Tonight studios in Burbank, California. (check out the braces)!
Who says a lizard can’t get a little sun?
He loved looking out the window during our adventure.
Getting a little ‘kiss’ before the show! Scooter was always a ladies man.
And there he was; shining in front of millions of people spreading the message of responsible pet ownership. He even got to meet a few celebrities; including Samuel L. Jackson. You can see clips of the appearance here: http://www.corbinmaxey.com/Portals/44/media/corbin.mov
In 2007, Scooter and I ventured into brand-new territory: creating, producing, and hosting a local television show called “Live with the Reptile Guy.” He was constantly sleeping on set due to the late Friday night tapings.
It was this year that he made his debut on our annual Christmas card.
In January 2008 we made our first appearance on “The Martha Stewart Show.” Scooter proudly made ‘banana mash’ with Martha. Click the link to watch the appearance: http://www.marthastewart.com/264836/pet-reptiles
Scooter soon became a local celebrity; gracing the cover of local magazines.
In 2009 we began a press tour across the United States. First stop: Idaho News Channel 7.
“The PIX Morning Show” in New York City.
Scooter in his dressing room at the PIX studios (the same one used by Miley Cyrus the day prior).
“The Morning Blend” in Omaha, Nebraska.
We arrived back in time for his favorite holiday: Thanksgiving.
In 2010 we landed an article in Reptiles Magazine.
We successfully wrapped four seasons of “LIVE with The Reptile Guy.” To watch the documentary visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9isgsuIJJ8
In February of 2011 we made our first appearance on “The Today Show” (the anchors were much bigger in person).
Scooter heating up backstage before the segment. To watch it in full click the link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41162089/vp/41758832/#41758832
Soon after we appeared in Boise State University’s student-run paper; the Arbiter.
This was my favorite moment with Scooter: taking graduation pictures in the fall of 2011.
I wanted to leave you all with a picture of Scooter doing what he did best; soaking up the summer sunshine.
Afterward: It was determined by our vet that Scooter passed away from Kidney Disease. It commonly affects large male iguanas living in drier parts of the Pacific Northwest. No matter how humid Scooter’s environment was, or how many times we soaked him, there was nothing we could have done. I personally think age was also a factor. Scooter’s estimated age at the time of his rescue was 10-12 years; he could have even been older (iguanas live 10-20 years in captivity).
What I do know for certain is Scooter touched the lives of many people. He put smiles on the faces of thousands and educated millions about responsible pet ownership. Personally, he helped me pass milestones and achieve my dreams. He also was a fantastic ambassador for his wild counterparts; promoting conservation and preservation of their habitat in Central and South America.
He will truly be missed.
- Corbin
New Year. New Blog.
I’m so excited to kick off the New Year with brand-new blogs! I have to admit it has been awhile since my last entry. To be honest, since graduating college my life has seemed to go into turbo drive! 2012 was an incredibly busy year for the animals and I: We embarked on a 54 date tour across the United States, geared up for “Today Show” appearances, and filmed three separate projects in Africa. I’m happy to announce though that I plan on documenting much more of 2013! Take a look at some of my favorite highlights in January:
The best part about spending New Years weekend in Seattle? Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo. This zoo is one of a small handful of zoos in North America that feature jaguars. Their exhibit was top-notch: complete with heated caves, lush vegetation, and large pool with underwater viewing.
Mixed-species exhibits make up a good portion of this 92 acre park. These Patas Monkeys share a large African Savanna habitat with giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and gazelles. Heated rocks throughout the exhibit keep the monkeys warm during cooler temperatures.
Here is my best attempt at trying to get a good picture with a Dwarf Crocodile! Reptiles galore can be found in the zoo’s Day House Exhibit.
Even the gorillas were trying to keep warm during our visit! Nina (pictured) loved to flaunt her pink at zoo visitors.
At 45 years old, Nina is the troop’s matriarch and proud grandmother of several offspring. Interestingly, the zoo keeps her on birth control to prevent her from becoming pregnant.
I loved the zoo so much I came back the following evening for Wild Lights! The African Waterhole scene hands-down was my favorite. For more information about the Woodland Park Zoo check out www.zoo.org
A few days later it was off to New York City for The Today Show. What made this trip so memorable was that my sister Micah was able to join me for the first time.
There is a lot of prep that goes into segments for national shows like Today. Picking the right animals is easy. From there I do my research, figure out on-air order, and connect with the animal handlers.
There was quite a crowd outside Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza! Several celebrities made appearances that morning including Dr. Oz and Betty White.
Behind-the-scenes, handlers safely unload the animals into the building. During this time I’m able to interact with each animal and figure out their on-air transitions for the segment.
After a few camera teases, its showtime! Click the link to watch the segment in full http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50385682#50385682
After the show we had the afternoon free to do some classic NYC sightseeing. Cruising around New York Harbor near Liberty Island was unforgettable.
I love to travel and feel so incredibly blessed for opportunities like “The Today Show.” I can honestly say though, there is nothing like being home! For the first time in months I went back to the zoo where I spent a good portion of of my childhood: Zoo Boise.
It was a chance to meet up with some old friends; like Mr. Mac the Aldabra Tortoise.
Zoo Boise was the first zoo in the country to develop a conservation fund where a portion of each admission goes straight into funding conservation projects around the globe. They help animals like lemurs in Madagascar.
My favorite animal at the zoo: the Komodo Dragon. We were even lucky enough to see a feeding. Their dragon is clicker trained to go in an enclosure behind-the-scenes where he happily awaits his meals. This allows the keepers access to his exhibit for cleaning and enrichment purposes.
I don’t know a better way to wrap up our visit than this: Interacting with one of the zoo’s two serval kittens. Both were hand-raised and are part of an animal ambassador program. For more information about Zoo Boise visit www.zooboise.org
What a perfect picture to wrap up January! This was taken right outside our animal facilities on the Snake River.
More to come....
- Corbin
January 2013 on NBC TODAY
Cred Portland Wes Anderson Pitchfork raw denim direct trade small batch banh mi artisan art party trust fund Kickstarter asymmetrical. Cred Portland Wes Anderson Pitchfork raw denim direct trade small batch banh mi artisan art party trust fund Kickstarter asymmetrical.