The Last of the Camel Leopards

Janet, an idealistic khaki-clad young woman, drives an open safari jeep across the South Sudanese savannah with the Emir, a bald, dark-skinned man swathed in white robes and gold jewellery. As they head for a clearing in the distance where vultures circle high above, Janet thanks the Emir for his Caliph’s support in driving the Dingu poachers from this last refuge of the Nubian giraffe, undoubtedly the camel leopard described by the Emir’s ancient ancestors. Scattered around the clearing are a family of dead giraffes sporting bullet wounds. Janet notes that the missing tails, camel tracks are sure signs of poachers, but the Dingu always travel by foot. The young giraffe is still alive, and as the Emir draws an ornate scimitar from his robes, Janet stands between him and the giraffe, demanding an explanation. The Emir reveals that the powerful Caliph demands tribute and slaves, and they use the Dingu as cover for their crimes. The Emir turns to see three shimmering silhouettes of camels appear on the horizon like mirages, and believes his men have returned. Janet crawls under the jeep as the Camel Leopards, with the size and shape of a dromedary, and the spots and long fangs of a leopard, close in on the terrified Emir.