Day 11: Even more wildebeest, and back to base

 After a lovely pasta supper and a long night’s sleep (7:00 call), we started off with coffee/tea and then headed back out to the field. The wildebeest darted yesterday had spent the night safely in their respective trailers, and were about to be joined by a few more herd mates. 

Back out to dart and retrieve more golden wildebeest. This time we were darting some of the larger bulls, which were much heavier than the youngsters we moved yesterday. 8 more animals filled both the truck and trailer to capacity, so they headed off to their new home. We packed up, had spaghetti for lunch at the game ranch, and headed out on our 4-hour drive back to Selati. The team was tired but feeling accomplished, and most of us (except Carli, who was driving) caught a little nap on the way. 

I did have a weird moment when we stopped to get gas, still 3 hours out, and someone called me by name and said hello! It was a guy we had worked with last week! After having so many farm owners and managers remember us from previous visits, this place is starting to feel even more familiar! 

Peaceful looking darted golden wildebeest bull

Me rocking Bulldog gear with the wildebeest

He really looks quite cuddly!

But those horns can mean business!

I’m collecting photos of the feet of African wildlife. Here is a golden wildebeest hoof.

Eleanor holding up a bull’s head in the truck

The herd as Rita prepares to dart


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