In this episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, journey to Botswana's Okavango Delta, where guide Diana Tilden-Davis uses remote control cameras, scuba gear and bite-proof cages to get closer to hippos, lions and other wildlife than ever before.

Ask Peter your questions about the wildlife of the Okavango Delta now. He'll answer them shortly after the premiere of "Okavango Untamed." (March 20th - 7:00PM EST) Get a reminder.

To Post your question, please click "post reply".

Mr. Gros,

I'm currently a highschool sophomore, and looking at getting into the same field as you. I'm wondering what your major was in college, and also any advice on how to make such a huge impact on animal conservation as you have. Thanks in advance.

Leif

if she's going to be getting close to hippos, wont she need mroe then simple cages? I mean, I thought that hippo's had really strong jaws and that cages wouldnt stand up against them?

Hello Peter.

I was wondering if you were familiar with Dereck and Beverly Joubert? I ask because I have seen many National Geographic documentaries filmed by them, primarily in the Okavango Delta area. The one that stands out in my mind most is "Lions of Darkness" where a lion cub they called "Tao" was orphaned but managed to survive with his large pride of females and 3 adult males. Are you or Diana familiar with "Tao"? The film was made in 1993 and I have always wondered if anyone knew if this beautiful and tough cub lived. Being she has been a guide for such a long time I thought she may be familiar. Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,
Amy

I have a couple of general Okavango animal questions.
1. I've read that lions often lose kills during the stalk because they don't think to stay downwind of their prey once they've spotted it. Do any predators like leopards or dogs take wind direction into consideration when close to prey?
2. Do hippos benefit from sharing a home with crocodiles? It seems they could easily move the crocs on their way and are less tolerant of most other animals.

Glenclaytor,
I know tigers stay downwind, and they use their wiskers to detect wind changes, but I'm not sure if this applies to all big cats... Hope that helps some.

bigcatguy asks: "I'm wondering what your major was in college, and also any advice on how to make such a huge impact on animal conservation as you have."

I would recommend Zoology and a minor in Environmental Science. Most zoos would be very helpful in guiding you towards conservation projects that may interest you – try contacting their education departments. You may also want to join or start a speaker's club, which will give you a venue to share your information and affect groups of people with your conservation ideas once your research is completed. Good luck with this! It's certainly a very rewarding career path.

Peter Gros

nightstalker200618 asks: "If she's going to be getting close to hippos, won't she need more than simple cages? I mean, I thought that hippos had really strong jaws and that cages wouldn't stand up against them?"

Hippos do have very powerful jaws, and what makes them particularly dangerous is that their mouths can open 180 degrees. A person's mouth only opens 45 degrees, to give you a comparison. I think that's why Di used a remote camera boat, something small that the hippos would become accustomed to.

Peter Gros

amylynnterry asks: "When was this filmed? Also, are you or Diana familiar with "Tao" (from "Lions of Darkness")? I have always wondered if anyone knew if this beautiful and tough cub lived."

"Okavango Untamed" was filmed in December 2003. The advantages for recent filmmakers comes in the form of this wonderful new technology, which brings you closer than ever before to wildlife.

I'm sorry, I don't know what happened to the beautiful cub that was in "Lions of Darkness."

Peter Gros

glenclaytor asks: "1. I've read that lions often lose kills during the stalk because they don't think to stay downwind of their prey once they've spotted it. Do any predators like leopards or dogs take wind direction into consideration when close to prey?"

1. Lions are very opportunistic hunters and will often hunt in large prides. Several females will stalk as a team. As their paths converge, their victims become trapped in the middle. Their padded feet help muffle their footsteps, and their stealth and good camouflage bring them within striking distance. However, the average lion needs to hunt five times just to make one kill.

glenclaytor asks: "2. Do hippos benefit from sharing a home with crocodiles?"

2. I do think there's a benefit for hippos and crocodiles to share the same habitat. The massive numbers of hippos add volumes of nutrients to the water, which are quite helpful. Crocodiles, as they move around and work together in groups, help keep the waterways open. Hippos usually leave the water and eat all night long and then return during the day. Crocodiles typically eat once a week.

Peter Gros

Thank you so much for your questions. I look forward to chatting with you in the future!

Peter Gros

Thanks Peter and Bigcatguy. I never heard that about tigers before. And that makes sense about the crocs and hippos tolerating each other. I guess in the hippo's mind, the more herbivore hunters near, the better. Less competition for grazing near the water's edge.