I hadn't realised I hadn't written a post for so long! This is partly because I have been helping with many office tasks at Africat, which are probably not particularly riveting for eveyone, and because I have no new pictures to put up. I hope soon to be tracking the rehabilitated cheetah with Louis on some mornings, which will provide more exciting stories and photos (especially for the posts I promised on the local game and carnivores).
Meanwhile, I have been assisting every day with feeding the lions. Shavula ("Rain"), Thimba ("Lion hunter"), Shenzi ("Leader of the pack") and Kilimanjaro (no explanation needed) are all boys who were moved down here from Africat North, as I mentioned in Diary Entry 8. Shavula and Thimba are brothers and share an enclosure, whereas Shenzi and Kili live by themselves.
To feed them, we pass through a three-metre-high electrified fence, required by law where dangerous animals are kept. Slightly smaller electric fences make up the enclosures within this large perimeter fence. Pieces of meat weighing about 4kg are thrown over, which the lions attempt to catch in mid-air, sometimes succeeding. Whilst they are happy eating, we fill their water troughs up by pouring fresh water through a tube which is fed through the fence and into the trough.
When we drive through the gates in the fences, I jump out to unlock the chains which secure them. I've become much faster at this very quickly, because two of the gates are right next to Shavula and Thimba's enclosure, and the hungry cats prowl up and down the fence baring their teeth and growling at me. So far, Shenzi is my favourite because he has been the least aggressive.
I have also been out riding. I only started learning four years ago, so am relatively unexperienced, but 'bush style' riding is nevertheless quite different from the way I have learned! Luckily I haven't struggled too much with the transtion, because it is in many ways more instinctive. After a lesson on Monday which I felt had been slightly disastrous, the hack I went on yesterday was surprisingly enjoyable and easy; by the time we arrived back at the stables, I already felt my stability had improved. Now I can't wait to go out again!
Thursday 28 February 2013
Saturday 23 February 2013
The Rehabilitation Program
Aside environmental education, Africat's main project at the moment is rehabilitaing as many of its cheetah as possible. Africat also stands for "A Free Cat", and the Hanssen family believe that wild animals should live in the wild wherever possible. Those cats who cannot survive in the wild for various reasons, can be kept in captivity as 'ambassadors' for their species, as I outlined in 'Diary Entry- Day 8'.
Fit, young cheetah (under the age of seven) who are not very habituated to humans are given the chance to live wild. They are released from the Carnivore Care Centre into the Okonjima reserve, often in small coalitions. Cheetah are generally solitary, with only males and young adults forming small groups, but for rehabilitation purposes working together usually gives them a better chance. Also, all the females in the reserve have contraceptive implants, which may alter their natural impulse to separate from their companions.
Once released, they are monitored daily (as all are fitted with radio collars) and fed intermittently. As their hunting hopefully improves, they will cease to be fed by humans, unless they appear not to have made a kill for a while and are becoming thin.
If they are not succesful hunters, they will unfortunately have to return to the Centre.
If they are injured or fall ill whilst undegoing rehabilitation, they will be treated and held at Africat until they are healthy again, and re-released- condition permitting. If they sustain long term damage which would prevent them from thriving, they remain in captivity.
All the cheetah in the reserve are rehab cheetah. Three, Coco, Spud and Bones, had just been released when I visited for three weeks in 2010. At this time, AJ was in charge of monitoring them, and as I was essentially work shadowing him I saw them almost every day. Although their two companions, Frankie and Hammer, have since died (Frankie whilst I was here in 2010) it was lovely to see them getting on so well.
It may seem that with two out of a group of five dying, rehabilitation is not a succesful method. However, even with these cheetah being immediately disadvantaged due to their lack of knowledge of the other animals in the bush (Frankie was killed by a leopard or hyena, probably because he wouldn't back away when challenged as he didn't know he was far weaker than his opponent) this is an excellent survival rate; in the worst habitats, only about 5% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood in the wild.
Fit, young cheetah (under the age of seven) who are not very habituated to humans are given the chance to live wild. They are released from the Carnivore Care Centre into the Okonjima reserve, often in small coalitions. Cheetah are generally solitary, with only males and young adults forming small groups, but for rehabilitation purposes working together usually gives them a better chance. Also, all the females in the reserve have contraceptive implants, which may alter their natural impulse to separate from their companions.
Once released, they are monitored daily (as all are fitted with radio collars) and fed intermittently. As their hunting hopefully improves, they will cease to be fed by humans, unless they appear not to have made a kill for a while and are becoming thin.
If they are not succesful hunters, they will unfortunately have to return to the Centre.
If they are injured or fall ill whilst undegoing rehabilitation, they will be treated and held at Africat until they are healthy again, and re-released- condition permitting. If they sustain long term damage which would prevent them from thriving, they remain in captivity.
All the cheetah in the reserve are rehab cheetah. Three, Coco, Spud and Bones, had just been released when I visited for three weeks in 2010. At this time, AJ was in charge of monitoring them, and as I was essentially work shadowing him I saw them almost every day. Although their two companions, Frankie and Hammer, have since died (Frankie whilst I was here in 2010) it was lovely to see them getting on so well.
It may seem that with two out of a group of five dying, rehabilitation is not a succesful method. However, even with these cheetah being immediately disadvantaged due to their lack of knowledge of the other animals in the bush (Frankie was killed by a leopard or hyena, probably because he wouldn't back away when challenged as he didn't know he was far weaker than his opponent) this is an excellent survival rate; in the worst habitats, only about 5% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood in the wild.
Friday 22 February 2013
Bwana
Yesterday, I tagged along with Louis, trying to track down Bwana. Bwana is a young two year old leopard, born of MJ and Mafana (one of the males in the park). He was fitted with a radio collar, but because he is a growing cat, he needs it to be changed soon or it will become too tight.
The plan was for Louis and I to see if we could find him, in a good open position, at which point we would radio Wayne to drive over and dart him, ready to change the collar on the spot.
We managed to find him, lounging atop a hide at one of the dams. He then jumped down into the thick bush which made up the surroundings- apparently, he has a reputation for being a difficult cat to find! We followed him for a short while, never seeing him, only following the beep from the radio collar (which we picked up with Louis' telemetry antenna). Eventually we came across him, lying in a river bed and seeming very relaxed; it was the perfect opportunity. We told Wayne as much, and he raced over whilst we kept an eye on Bwana.
When we heard Wayne's car, we backed out of our position so that he could drive in instead, lined up for a clean shot. Parked on a track near by, I waited whilst Louis and Wayne advanced in Wayne's Landcruiser. As the wait became longer, I thought it unlikely that they had managed to dart Bwana- even if he started walking and they did manage to follow him, the density of the bush would have made it extremely difficult to shoot a moving target.
Sure enough, Wayne and Louis arrived back unsuccessful, informing me that Bwana had begun to move off on sighting the Landcruiser.
Hopefully they will catch him soon!
The plan was for Louis and I to see if we could find him, in a good open position, at which point we would radio Wayne to drive over and dart him, ready to change the collar on the spot.
We managed to find him, lounging atop a hide at one of the dams. He then jumped down into the thick bush which made up the surroundings- apparently, he has a reputation for being a difficult cat to find! We followed him for a short while, never seeing him, only following the beep from the radio collar (which we picked up with Louis' telemetry antenna). Eventually we came across him, lying in a river bed and seeming very relaxed; it was the perfect opportunity. We told Wayne as much, and he raced over whilst we kept an eye on Bwana.
When we heard Wayne's car, we backed out of our position so that he could drive in instead, lined up for a clean shot. Parked on a track near by, I waited whilst Louis and Wayne advanced in Wayne's Landcruiser. As the wait became longer, I thought it unlikely that they had managed to dart Bwana- even if he started walking and they did manage to follow him, the density of the bush would have made it extremely difficult to shoot a moving target.
Sure enough, Wayne and Louis arrived back unsuccessful, informing me that Bwana had begun to move off on sighting the Landcruiser.
Hopefully they will catch him soon!
Photo Updates
I will get faster at uploading photos, but here are some photos relating to earlier diary entries. These were all taken at the same time as Paul Martens was taking 'proper' photos for brochures.
This is Nkozi, posing beautifully for the camera:
And this is Pooh, also posing beautifully and very chilled out:
This is Nkozi, posing beautifully for the camera:
And this is Pooh, also posing beautifully and very chilled out:
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| Paul and the guide, Louis, capturing Pooh's best angle |
Diary Entry- Day 8
Sorry for the recent hiatus- I knew my "one post per day" idea would fail! I'm adjusting to a new, busier routine.
Dad left on Wednesday, after which I immediately got to work at the Africat offices. As well as administrative work, updating the database and processing donations, I help to feed some of the cats in the Carnivore Care Centre (where all the cats who cannot, for various reasons, be released into the wild, live)
The group of cheetah we feed were hand raised, so are very friendly (behind the fence, that is). The leopard, Lewa, is very shy; I haven't seen her yet. The lions on the other hand are quite intimidating! Lions are my favourite animal, but I'm wary of these big hungry males, growling and posturing behind the fence. I'm sure I'll get less jumpy as I get to know them.
The lions have been moved down from Africat North, where a new location is in the process of being set up. These lions can hunt and fend for themselves a little, but are being kept in enclosures because were they to be released into the park, their impact would be sizeable, so this is still under consideration. The cheetah in the park have never encountered lions and would quickly fall prey, as they would be seen as competition.
The other cats in the Care Centre live here for one of these reasons:
Dad left on Wednesday, after which I immediately got to work at the Africat offices. As well as administrative work, updating the database and processing donations, I help to feed some of the cats in the Carnivore Care Centre (where all the cats who cannot, for various reasons, be released into the wild, live)
The group of cheetah we feed were hand raised, so are very friendly (behind the fence, that is). The leopard, Lewa, is very shy; I haven't seen her yet. The lions on the other hand are quite intimidating! Lions are my favourite animal, but I'm wary of these big hungry males, growling and posturing behind the fence. I'm sure I'll get less jumpy as I get to know them.
The lions have been moved down from Africat North, where a new location is in the process of being set up. These lions can hunt and fend for themselves a little, but are being kept in enclosures because were they to be released into the park, their impact would be sizeable, so this is still under consideration. The cheetah in the park have never encountered lions and would quickly fall prey, as they would be seen as competition.
The other cats in the Care Centre live here for one of these reasons:
- They have been hand reared, so would not be able to hunt or fend for themselves
- They are very used to humans so would be a danger to any people they came across, lacking the natural fear of humans found in wild animals
- They are injured or old, meaning they would be disadvantaged living in the wild
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Diary Entry - Day 5
Yesterday, I did my first bit of proper off-road driving. I was on a drive with my dad, Wayne and AJ, who is currently involved in Okonjima's education program, but was our first ever guide back in 2008, and allowed me to tag along for a whole three weeks in 2010 whilst he was monitoring cheetah rehabilitation. With careful direction from Wayne, I negotiated increasingly dubious tracks, at least one of which I reckon I was only the second person ever to follow. I also managed to traverse some of the dry river beds semi-smoothly.
I've been having chats and meetings with various members of the family and team today.
It's raining this afternoon; there has been relatively little rain this year, so these heavy showers are very welcome- and refreshing in the heat.
I'm gathering photos of the local game, to put together a post describing them all.
Not much else of interest has happened today, but watch this space, because I have no idea what's on the agenda tomorrow...
I've been having chats and meetings with various members of the family and team today.
It's raining this afternoon; there has been relatively little rain this year, so these heavy showers are very welcome- and refreshing in the heat.
I'm gathering photos of the local game, to put together a post describing them all.
Not much else of interest has happened today, but watch this space, because I have no idea what's on the agenda tomorrow...
Monday 18 February 2013
Diary Entry - Day 4
This morning, Dad and I had arranged to meet at Africat HQ to see the lions being fed.
(There are several lions being kept in enclosures currently that have been relocated from the northern branch of Africat, up near Etosha)
The rendezvous time was 8 o'clock, and as Dad always wakes early, we didn't bother to set an alarm. This turned out to be a mistake, as due to a restless night, we both overslept!
I would have loved to see the lions, but I'm sure I will have another opportunity over the next five months. We carried on with our plans for the day, with Wayne showing us around Main Camp, which is being redeveloped. We then went on to Africat, where I met Chris, who will essentially be my boss whilst I am here. He showed us around all the displays and explained a little of the work I will be doing.
I've also been driving Wayne's Landcruiser around with my dad, with both of us attempting to learn our way around the winding roads- so far unsuccessfully...
However, now I am enjoying acclimatising and catching up on all that has changed whilst I've been away, before work starts in earnest on Thursday morning.
(There are several lions being kept in enclosures currently that have been relocated from the northern branch of Africat, up near Etosha)
The rendezvous time was 8 o'clock, and as Dad always wakes early, we didn't bother to set an alarm. This turned out to be a mistake, as due to a restless night, we both overslept!
I would have loved to see the lions, but I'm sure I will have another opportunity over the next five months. We carried on with our plans for the day, with Wayne showing us around Main Camp, which is being redeveloped. We then went on to Africat, where I met Chris, who will essentially be my boss whilst I am here. He showed us around all the displays and explained a little of the work I will be doing.
I've also been driving Wayne's Landcruiser around with my dad, with both of us attempting to learn our way around the winding roads- so far unsuccessfully...
However, now I am enjoying acclimatising and catching up on all that has changed whilst I've been away, before work starts in earnest on Thursday morning.
Sunday 17 February 2013
Diary Entry - Day 3
On the afternoon drive yesterday, again with Wayne, I saw two more cheetah. Coco and Spud are a girl and a boy which were part of a group of five cheetah in the rehabilitation program that I followed closely in 2010; at that time, they had only recently been turned out into the park and were still finding their feet, so it was good to see them a couple of years on.
We also tracked down a female leopard called MJ. A smaller cat with a formaidable stare, she is one half of the first litter born at Okonjima.
Last night, just befoe dinner, we watched as Nkozi, a big six-year-old male leopard, strolled across the clearing at the back of the Villa. We were able to track him this morning on the morning drive and found him not far away, where he posed beautifully for the cameras; the drive consisted of me, my dad, two guides and two proffessional photographers who were taking some pictures for brochures etc.
We then found an hyena, who also sat very relaxed, whilst we posed as excited tourists a few metres behind him!
We also tracked down a female leopard called MJ. A smaller cat with a formaidable stare, she is one half of the first litter born at Okonjima.
Last night, just befoe dinner, we watched as Nkozi, a big six-year-old male leopard, strolled across the clearing at the back of the Villa. We were able to track him this morning on the morning drive and found him not far away, where he posed beautifully for the cameras; the drive consisted of me, my dad, two guides and two proffessional photographers who were taking some pictures for brochures etc.
We then found an hyena, who also sat very relaxed, whilst we posed as excited tourists a few metres behind him!
First Photos
I've decided to write two kinds of posts- a diary entry logging what I see and do each day, and extra posts with information about Okonjia and the animals.
This post has information in it which will make the diary entry today clearer.
The land at Okonjima is split into two sections; a big 20,000ha park, and a 2,000ha area where all the accomodation is- this smaller area has no big predators in it, so is much safer to walk around.
However, at the moment I'm staying in an offshoot of the Villa, a big suite that is in the main park.
Most of the carnivores have radio collars, which is how we are able to find them.
Over the next week or two, I will do posts on the different carnivores, their family trees and providence, as well as detailing the game that is seen regularly around the park.
Meanwhile, here are some photos of Dizzy, the dogs and MJ from yesterday:
This post has information in it which will make the diary entry today clearer.
The land at Okonjima is split into two sections; a big 20,000ha park, and a 2,000ha area where all the accomodation is- this smaller area has no big predators in it, so is much safer to walk around.
However, at the moment I'm staying in an offshoot of the Villa, a big suite that is in the main park.
Most of the carnivores have radio collars, which is how we are able to find them.
Over the next week or two, I will do posts on the different carnivores, their family trees and providence, as well as detailing the game that is seen regularly around the park.
Meanwhile, here are some photos of Dizzy, the dogs and MJ from yesterday:
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| Dizzy |
 |
| Three of the wild dogs |
 |
| MJ |
Saturday 16 February 2013
Arrival
I arrived in Windoek at 6am yesterday morning, glad to stretch my legs after two cramped flights, along with my dad, who has come out for a week for a short visit. As the sun was not yet up, the temperature was pleasantly warm- but as the day progressed, it became very hot, which was rather a shock having left literally freezing-cold England!
We got to Okonjima at about 1.30, and apart from saying 'hello' to everybody I spent much of the day falling asleep, not exactly jet lagged due to a time difference of only two hours, but tired after travelling.
My dad, myself and the owner Wayne went on a quick drive before dinner, and we went on another this morning, giving me the opportunity to brush up on my identification skills and limited tracking knowledge.
This morning we saw a female cheetah, Dizzy, and the four resident wild dogs, three sisters and a brother, named Ruby, Raine, Ricki and Rex, respectively.
Hopefully I can start uploading photos soon.
We got to Okonjima at about 1.30, and apart from saying 'hello' to everybody I spent much of the day falling asleep, not exactly jet lagged due to a time difference of only two hours, but tired after travelling.
My dad, myself and the owner Wayne went on a quick drive before dinner, and we went on another this morning, giving me the opportunity to brush up on my identification skills and limited tracking knowledge.
This morning we saw a female cheetah, Dizzy, and the four resident wild dogs, three sisters and a brother, named Ruby, Raine, Ricki and Rex, respectively.
Hopefully I can start uploading photos soon.
Monday 11 February 2013
Off On Thursday...
So, I haven't written any posts for a couple of weeks. I leave on Thursday and have been visiting family and friends and gathering things to pack. But once I am out there (in 35 degree sunny heat, might I add), I intend to write a post every day.
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