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Finally worked out how to use this technology... catch up time.
After flying into Bulawayo with the Zimbabwean Prime Minister and his entourage - I figure I was either on the safest plane coming into Zim or a target... With much excitement and enthusiasm I finally arrived at Antelope Park on Saturday 19 May, home for the next 3 weeks.
In a blur of introductions to the other volunteers (29 of us), staff and guides, I'm slowly going to have to reintroduce myself. Feeling like the new kid on the block and little awkward, everyone was welcoming and feeling pretty chilled as it was their 1/2 day off and Saturday is "party" night but this little lioness was tuckered out and hit the hay pretty early. Just like my night in Jo'burg I was out in a flash, ready for my early 7am start.
Sunday 21 May
Waking to the echo of the lions roaring to each other across the park was an amazing sound - I don't think I'll get sick of hearing it.
My first official day at the park and a day of inductions - the morning was spent with Iri one of the guides teaching me all things lions and how the rehabilitation program works and meeting all the lions. These lions are the older prides that are over two years old and have gone through program and are now too large to take walking.
Returning to the main camp for lunch, we are called by the cooks on their African drums, which happens for all lunches and dinners - love it. The meals are delicious and so so filling. I've learnt quickly to ask for half scoops and to say 'no' to every dish on offer, not going to be great for my weight loss plan...
Next induction covers our, the volunteers, daily routines and how the whiteboards work, how to capture the research data and an introduction to the several snakes I may come across at the park. Making the most of the controlled environment, I bravely held one of the brown snakes. I think he could sense my fear though I was quite surprised by their feel - cool and very soft and smooth, still think they would make a lovely pair of shoes...
Sunday afternoon was my first of many walks with the lion cubs Laili and Lewa who are 17 months old. Laili is the the larger cub who was brought in from South Africa along with Paza. Being my first walk I was able to get in and have some action shots walking alongside them and crouching behind them. Can't wait to get some more photo opportunities.
A long but exciting day and another early night.
Today, Monday 21 May, started with the call of the lions echoing across the park again at dawn and off for an induction to the bush and tracking in the wild... Don't think I'm quite Bear Grylls yet!
After our delicious breakfast cook up to the breeding program with the big cats. Don't be fooled by the name this is "poo patrol" and "carcass cleanup" and the smell of the rotting leftover carcass is one that lines your nostrils and leaves its scent... Nothing like a bit of leftover cow tail, intestine, pigs ears, horse parts, chicken feathers and wings plus unrecognizable bits just to name a couple of the delights on offer...
Moving the lions in between their enclosures and their smaller management enclosures is no small feat getting them up and moving, this caused a bit of feistiness in some of the big boys growling and roaring at one another and trying to attack between the fences - no wonder they are the "kings" of the wild. Those teeth and paws are HUGE!
While at the program we are taught all aspects of the animals at the park including the 30 horses and 4 elephants. The afternoon was spent firstly at the stables cleaning the horses rugs and the getting their feed organised. Also while playing security over the feed from 2 very cheeky, sneaking and hungry horses.
From the horses it was up to herd the elephants back to their bomas for the night. The elephants - Jecha, Chibi, Amai and Tombi; it was incredible getting to stand right next to Chibi, one of the big boys. I look forward to getting to ride them around the park and hopefully take for a swim.
My first hands on day over and can't wait to get more involved in the other activities. So much better than working in a windowless office and stuck behind a computer.
- comments
Sue Love it Shaz, sounds amazing xx
Kylie Pirlo Fantasmo keep up the updates, have fun and stay safe. Xo