Family Affairs and other matters

DRAMATIC ELEPHANT RESCUE

My friends at Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia have sent me some amazing photos of a dramatic elephant rescue. The elephants that feature on my blog are very possibly from the same herd! Generally speaking most conservationists believe that man should not meddle with the natural order of nature. However, every rule has an exception and the dreadful plight of a baby elephant trapped in the mud of the Kapani Lagoon and her mother, who had also got stuck trying to save her yesterday had them all in a frenzy of activity. They simply could not stand by and watch them struggle and slowly die. South Luangwa Conservation Society together with their neighbours - ZAWA - the wildlife authority - agreed and they all joined forces to try and save the mum and baby. Thanks to Abraham Banda who got these great photos of the unfolding drama...... The family herd desperately trying to help the screaming Mum and baby escape, but they were completely stuck in the deep, rapidly drying mud with no chance of getting out:- The brave and skilled SLCS team manages to slip a rope under the baby, narrowly avoiding mums thrashing trunk - and starts to haul her out ..... ' Nearly there - the whole team is hauling as hard as they can.....But the baby is terribly frightened and won't leave mum's side Again - she's out and we think we're almost there.....But despite frantic waving and shouting - she won't leave her mum One more try - the team pull her further away from mum this time.....They unwrap the ropes and help her to her feet This time - thanks to a young herd cousin calling her to safety.....she makes a dash for it as the rest of the herd scream for her to come to them Now back to mum who is dehydrated and exhausted - they've been pouring water over her to try to protect her from the scorching midday sun. SLCS staff carefully slip a rope under her... and the tractor starts to pull and pull - inching her out of what would have been a muddy grave - she seems to sense that there's a chance of escape and begins to struggle for her life. With us all shouting encouragment and just willing her to keep going "come on Mama, come on Mama"....... to the delight of us all - she makes it! Weak and wobbly she drags herself out she runs to find her baby and the rest of her waiting herd! The happiest possible ending! The SLCS team all share a celebratory drink on the Kapani deck with their relieved guests! This is all in a day’s work for the amazing Rachel McRobb and her outstanding team at The South Luangwa Conservation Society. Go to www.slcszambia.org - it’s a fantastic site and well worth a visit. You will be amazed at what this relatively small group can achieve – their dedication and commitment to wildlife is inspiring. Together with their local wildlife authority – the South Luangwa Area Management Unit of the Zambia Wildlife Authority, they are extremely effective at anti-poaching activities including anti-snaring and patrolling in vulnerable areas of the National Park. Rachel and her team are also skilled at darting snared animals, removing the snares and treating the horrific wounds they cause. Their awareness raising activities and work with other local conservation groups are incredibly effective. Of course – this all takes money so they are always looking for people to consider becoming regular supporters. My friend Christina wrote "It was extremely heartening for us all to see how many local people joined in the efforts to free these two elephants – the cheers of joy, first when the baby ran to his cousin and then when Mum was finally released from the jaws of the sticky, cloying mud were wonderful! Everyone seemed to identify with the mum’s plight - we all saw the incredible emotional bond between the worried herd members and mum and baby. Thank you SLCS and ZAWA and also all the NCS staff who bravely fought to make this a happy ending!"

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DRAMATIC ELEPHANT RESCUE

My friends at Norman Carr Safari in Zambia have sent me some amazing photos of a dramatic elephant rescue. The elephants that feature on my blog are very possibly from the same herd! Generally speaking most conservationists believe that man should not meddle with the natural order of nature. However, every rule has an exception [...]

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RE-BRAND ZAMBIA COMPETITION

I am going to very reluctantly let you know about a brilliant competition. I want to win it and of course the more of you who know about it, the less chance I've got. I've been sent the details by the safari lodge I stayed in with my father when we were in Zambia the summer before last. We had a truly spectacular time on safari and the prize for coming up with a new brand slogan for Zambia is a 15 day safari. Zambia is truly amazing - abundant wildlife, majestic scenery, tranquil lakes, vibrant culture, friendly people, bush adventure and home to the famous Victoria Falls – one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World”. My elephants live in Zambia (although looking a little bit grey in comparison!):-

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BIRTHDAYS AND DIVORCE

It's my birthday tomorrow (YAY) and this is the most grown-up I've ever been about my birthday in that I haven't gone into a huge decline about how a lack of partner = rubbish presents. I have bought myself two presents on the basis that I am not expecting presents from anybody else - this divorce thing is a real bummer when it comes to gifts. Almost worse than any other aspect- it's very depressing not having anybody to drop major hints at for a whole year who then buys you something entirely different that you don't want and you can't quite believe that they can have got it SO WRONG. I have learnt over the last few years that it is quite satisfactory to cut out the middle man and buy yourself something you really want. It leaves no room for disappointment.

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AFRICAN SKY AT NIGHT

African sky at night – seems to sum up my current mood somehow……

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COMPETITIVE SAFARI PHOTOS

I hate to say it but I think my children might have got some better shots than me on their safari. They were certainly unbelievably lucky to get so close to a leopard. Here’s one of mine:- And here are some of theirs:-

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HAPPY AS A HIPPO

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