Interview with Zeno the Green Bee-eater

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Wilpattu National Park 

Fun facts

Q: The burning question on everyone’s mind is, “how do you eat bees with being affected by their stings?”

A: Ah, well, I thought that would be quite self evident; we remove them, of course. We’re not some marauding barbarian horde that devours everything in our path. When it comes to bees (and wasps), we catch them in mid-flight and then take them to a place with a suitably hard surface, like a rock, and dash the stinger away. By the way, we eat other insects too; sometimes it’s easier to do this than to do all that dashing and bashing you see.

Did you know?

Q: Your species has a much higher success rate when it comes to safeguarding your young and increasing your population. What is the secret of your success?

A: It’s quite simple you see, it’s called putting yourself in someone else’s place; and in this case that someone else happens to be a predator. Before we construct the nest burrow, we look at the location from different angles, especially angles from which a predator could approach. We only construct the nest if we are quite satisfied with our safety.

Whereabouts

Q: Could you tell us a little bit about your family? 

A: Yes of course. The extended family is global, as everyone’s family tends to be these days. We have relatives stretching from sub-Saharan Africa all the way across to Vietnam. Some eccentric branches of the family head up into the Himalayas from time to time as well. But you won’t catch me doing all that nonsense. My immediate family and I are quite happy in the Sri Lankan jungles, especially near the Mahoora Campsite in Wilpattu where they treat you with respect and leave you in peace.

WILDERNESS UPDATES

 

Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

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Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

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