A Crash of Rhinos
The world spends more money on ice cream every year than what would be needed to secure conservation efforts globally. Enric Sala
A crash of rhinos – Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya ©kathykarn
Last week I mentioned a “journey” of giraffes in my blog Good Company on the Road. A reader invited me to share more collective nous for animal groups unique to African wildlife. These words are rooted in English speaking safari culture rather than local indigenous languages or science. Often the names describe an animal’s behaviour or appearance. A “crash” of rhinos speaks to their aggressive nature. Fortunately, the rhinos I’ve met on game drives have all been on their best behaviour.
A single giraffe is known as a “tower”. ©kathykarn
These names are often whimsical, capturing how an animals look—like a "tower" of giraffes for their height, or a “bloat” or pod of hippos inspired by their shape and presence in water.
A group of moving giraffes is called a “journey”. I wonder where they are going. ©kathykarn
A bloat or pod of hippos ©kathykarn
Safari guides appreciate these fun descriptors and use them to spark curiosity on a game drive. It often becomes a competition in the vehicle as to who can name the most collective words for African animals. Most people are familiar with a “pride” of lions.
Family portrait of a pride of lions. ©kathykarn
Did you know a group of zebras is called a “dazzle”? I can’t think of a more perfect impression of their beautiful striped patterns.
A dazzle of zebras. @kathykarn
A group of hyenas is called a “cackle”, an apt description of their maniacal vocalizations. They are also called a “clan” because they live together in family groups, but “clan” doesn’t convey the haunting sound of a group of hyenas frenzied laughter as they tear apart their prey.
A “cackle” of hyenas. ©kathykarn
A herd of elephants is also called a “clan” since they too live in strong family units. I like a “memory” of elephants with a nod their extraordinary intelligence. Matriarchs carry generational maps in their minds enabling them to travel long distances to water sources.
A ”memory” of elephants migrating across the Amboseli plain. ©kathykarn
Thanks to their matriarch’s memory these Amboseli elephants above had a chance of survival during the devastating drought of 2020-2022 in Kenya. Or, what’s better than a “parade” of elephants? My favourite kind of procession!
Elephant parade, Amboseli, Kenya ©kathykarn
Support conservation and enjoy the presence of African wildlife in your home with a print of a “memory” of elephants, “pride” of lions, “dazzle” of zebras and more. Browse my Gallery of iconic African wildlife for fine art prints in a variety of sizes.
