Day 1: Olifant!

 This morning started EARLY—5:45 am departure, with the day’s supplies and lunches packed. We were all too excited to mind much, though. It’s chilly here in the early mornings (high 40s), so it was layers to begin




We drove to our worksite, and spotted plenty of wildlife on the way. The “commute” here itself is jaw-dropping! We spotted a jackal, red and yellow hornbills (Zazu birds from Lion King), and then came upon a giraffe breakfasting alongside the road!






He was kind enough to pose for us.


Then we got into a little traffic jam. There was a crash…




of RHINOS! 





It is increasingly rare to see rhinos here, especially in a large crash (group), due to poaching. We watched these for quite a while; after all, when rhinos are blocking the road, you WAIT! 


Then we met up with Rita (the vet, also known to my students as Badass Rita) and the crew to find our patient. One wouldn’t think it would be difficult to find something as big as an elephant. But on a 10,000 acre reserve, it’s surprisingly hard! 

Fortunately, there are plenty of interesting distractions along 


It was “bring your kids day”. Can you see mamma behind the bush?




Wildebeest


Hippos




Warthogs




And we finally found the elephants! This group consists of an approximately 12-year-old cow and 2 young bulls. It was vital to keep the bulls away while we worked with the cow! 






The cow was darted with a (large dose of) tranquilizer and went down.



She stayed upright on her sternum, so we used raw human power to lay her over on her side.


It’s vital to hold the end of the trunk open so the elephant can breathe, since the nostrils are up inside the  end of the trunk. Students monitor breathing and condition.


Forefoot




Tail:
The tail hairs feel like the plastic string from a weed whip!


Skin




Carli (blonde hair) monitoring as the patient rocks her new radio location collar.


Students with elephant



After finishing the elephant work, we picked up 2 more students, bringing our total to 5: Our two students, another American from Arizona, a girl from Slovakia, and one from Britain. Then back to the lodge for a rest, sundowners, and supper.


Tonight’s supper: As you can see, we eat well! Steak grilled over an open fire, braii brekkies (grilled sandwiches of cheese, onions, tomatoes and chutney), pumpkin fritters, salad, potato salad, and dessert (not shown) of baked peaches with shortbread and custard. 


Since it is winter here, it is full dark by just after 6:00. Sitting around the fire, listening to crickets!



Now lights out, stargazing at the Southern Cross!


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