You have probably heard of Africa’s Big Five, but new to me is that there is also Africa’s “Ugly Five,” and the Marabou Stork is on this list.

This status is largely due to the large orange/red bulbous air sac that adorns its neck in addition to its quite rough-looking head.

Being a scavenger doesn’t help its status. Marabou are usually found picking at carrion and before they improved their waste management system within the Kruger, they were often found around rubbish tips scrounging for leftovers. They also catch frogs, mice and newly hatched crocodiles.