I am in USA from now until December. Getting nonprofit status and seeking funding sources.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Warthog with snare around its neck treated
Warthog with snare around its neck treated
This baby had the misfortune to be caught in a snare. I have had way too many incidents of snaring recently. There is new metal detector technology that should be able to pick up these snares and I hope that we can get enough donations to afford to buy some units.
Hog was given antibiotics and painkillers and has a new lease on life.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Anonymous Donor gives us $10,000.00 for UAV
Proof that there are good and dedicated people out there. Actions such as these give me hope and toughen my resolve
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Playing with Lions at Kwando
Playing with Lions at Kwando
I had to Charter a plane to fly in to Kwando game reserve in Northern Botswana to assist some Dr Mike Briggs doing research on large predators. Basically they are collaring 15 predators with satellite tracking technology. Blood is taken for Complete Blood counts, chemistry, Genetic typing and detection of exposure to diseases like TB, Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids and Distemper. Meticulous measurements are taken including length of body, teeth breadth, width and length, gingivitis testing and weight among a few. Fecal samples for internal parasites are collected and also any external crawlies.
It was a completely dark moonless night as we sat under the magnificent stars of the African veldt. Shooting stars abound and the silence of the night is interrupted by the distress calls of a wounded buffalo played over loudspeakers. The echo in the distance gives an eerie feeling. Various calls are presented including Hyena, Jackals and lions roaring.
Suddenly out of the darkness like silent ghosts 2 mature lionesses appear to find the source of the commotion. Two darts are shot at close range and within 10 minutes both cats are asleep. We frantically begin doing procedures on recumbent cats. After an hour and 30 minutes we are finished. One last task to be done. Lions are set on a canvas cradle attached to a scale and are picked up manually. My back cracks with strain and the second lions decides it’s time to wake up amidst a cacophony of growls and grunts we quickly pick her up and weigh her. I almost wet my pants as I was by her head. One was 280 lbs and other one that woke up was 380 pounds. That’s a lot of cat. My hat off to these brave dedicated researchers.
First night I was walking to the camp from my tent deep in the bush and my flashlight (torch) batteries die. I’m stumbling along without a clue where I am can’t even see my feet it’s so dark. The next night I had 2 flashlights but I was s tired I took the wrong path and was hopelessly lost. Working my way back to the sound of frogs in the river I see 2 lightly illuminated spots 20 meters ahead of me followed by two more. What the hell is it? Look at the bigger picture and there stand 2 huge hippos I guess their eyes don't reflect so well. I feel hairs on the back of my head stand up as I look behind me and there is their Bro and I’m standing between them and the river. I walked out of that one very slowly. I almost pooped my pants.
My turn in Chobe to come next if I can raise funding to buy satellite transmitting collars and other equipment to find out what has happened to the depleted lion population in Chobe.
I have learned a lot on this short trip as to procedures and having a place to do genetic typing. Of course meeting new friends with the same passion as mine. It’s good to learn from the experts instead of having to make the mistakes yourself.
Off to USA to procure nonprofit status and hopefully find sponsors to support this crucial work. I don’t want to go now since so many things are coming to a head but have no choice. Please guys if you can help out donate on my website I am broke and don’t know how I am going to afford to travel around to speak at events and meet drug company presidents to beg for money.
It was a completely dark moonless night as we sat under the magnificent stars of the African veldt. Shooting stars abound and the silence of the night is interrupted by the distress calls of a wounded buffalo played over loudspeakers. The echo in the distance gives an eerie feeling. Various calls are presented including Hyena, Jackals and lions roaring.
Suddenly out of the darkness like silent ghosts 2 mature lionesses appear to find the source of the commotion. Two darts are shot at close range and within 10 minutes both cats are asleep. We frantically begin doing procedures on recumbent cats. After an hour and 30 minutes we are finished. One last task to be done. Lions are set on a canvas cradle attached to a scale and are picked up manually. My back cracks with strain and the second lions decides it’s time to wake up amidst a cacophony of growls and grunts we quickly pick her up and weigh her. I almost wet my pants as I was by her head. One was 280 lbs and other one that woke up was 380 pounds. That’s a lot of cat. My hat off to these brave dedicated researchers.
First night I was walking to the camp from my tent deep in the bush and my flashlight (torch) batteries die. I’m stumbling along without a clue where I am can’t even see my feet it’s so dark. The next night I had 2 flashlights but I was s tired I took the wrong path and was hopelessly lost. Working my way back to the sound of frogs in the river I see 2 lightly illuminated spots 20 meters ahead of me followed by two more. What the hell is it? Look at the bigger picture and there stand 2 huge hippos I guess their eyes don't reflect so well. I feel hairs on the back of my head stand up as I look behind me and there is their Bro and I’m standing between them and the river. I walked out of that one very slowly. I almost pooped my pants.
My turn in Chobe to come next if I can raise funding to buy satellite transmitting collars and other equipment to find out what has happened to the depleted lion population in Chobe.
I have learned a lot on this short trip as to procedures and having a place to do genetic typing. Of course meeting new friends with the same passion as mine. It’s good to learn from the experts instead of having to make the mistakes yourself.
Off to USA to procure nonprofit status and hopefully find sponsors to support this crucial work. I don’t want to go now since so many things are coming to a head but have no choice. Please guys if you can help out donate on my website I am broke and don’t know how I am going to afford to travel around to speak at events and meet drug company presidents to beg for money.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Giraffe with swollen penis treated
Giraffe with swollen penis treated
On routine patrol we spotted a Giraffe with a very swollen penis and the tip was protruding with a purulent discharge. Lisa LaPointe, a research assistant that is helping us for a few weeks, had the pleasure of darting it with an antibiotic dart. Her shot was perfect. Giraffe was spotted 2 days later and swelling had gone down considerably. It's amazing what some penicillin can accomplish.
On routine patrol we spotted a Giraffe with a very swollen penis and the tip was protruding with a purulent discharge. Lisa LaPointe, a research assistant that is helping us for a few weeks, had the pleasure of darting it with an antibiotic dart. Her shot was perfect. Giraffe was spotted 2 days later and swelling had gone down considerably. It's amazing what some penicillin can accomplish.
 |
TWO DAYS AFTER INJECTION TIP OF PENIS HAS RETRACTED AND NO MORE DISCHARGE |
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Death of a River
THE KILLING OF A RIVER
On Monday 04/10 after long weekend of Independence Day with the help of an officer from fisheries we organized a fish antipoaching exercise. We went to speak with immigration, the Police and the new BDF commander to organize representatives from each to accompany us on your mission
The Namibians on the Chobe River have been setting their nets all the way across the river for years now commencing on the Botswana side. This indiscriminate and illegal catching of fish has severely depleted the population with an untold effect on the aquatic ecosystem. The Namibians are then selling their fish in Kasane which has created a market for them.
On 04/10 after 5:30 myself and 4 plain clothed wildlife officers went up the river to do a reconnaissance. At that time we counted over 21 nets. The operation was on.
On 05/10 after treating a wounded lion in the park it was time to go.AT 5 pm as pre-organized we met at Lhea to commence operation.
My own personal boat and 2 boats from a private citizen met at agreed point. We all congregated at The BDF camp. The BDf supplied us with one more boat and 4 armed soldiers.
We had a brief meeting to discuss strategy and at 5:30 we were off.
Myself, 2 private citizens along with 4 BDF soldiers, 2 immigration officers, and 12 wildlife officers were off by boat. Two officers went by vehicle on land to Serondella to collect nets as we went along.
At 6:20 we were on scene. 5 Namibian fishermen were found on our side of the river actively setting up their nets and were arrested by each boat in turn. This is the time they are there once all boat traffic has left the park. We rendezvoused with vehicle at Serondella were we dropped off poachers and began coming down river to extract the nets that were strung right across the river. After much hard work we managed to confiscate 41 nets and quite a few fish that were already caught.
It took 3 hours to pull all the nets and then we met back at river crossing just above Chobe Game Lodge to unload nets on to vehicles.
We arrived back at the dock at 10:15 took the arrested poachers to the police station and everyone was thanked for an excellent job. No one was hurt and I went according to my plan and management.
It was a very successful and rewarding exercise. I’m sure the Namibians will not be putting their nets over on our side for some time to come.
I strongly suggest that regular BDF patrols are organized on a regular basis to patrol this area at night. The new BDF commander was in agreement with me and is keen to do this.
I’m sure the fish poaching is just as bad further upriver from Serondella to Ihaha but due to the fact that rocks in river bed would prevent boats going up past this point I suggest that the BDF above this point utilizes the airboat to patrol this section of the river.
Regular patrols will stop this activity along with banning fisherman to illegally sell their fish in our markets should give a chance for the river to replenish its fish population and normalize again. I strongly suggest we look into possibility of creating fish farming enclosures in part of the river not frequented by tourists and breeding and restocking fish populations to help the environment to recuperate.
This exercise is a perfect example of how all different departments can work in conjunction in a positive and constructive way for the benefit of the whole. We cannot continue to deplete this valuable resource and not think about tomorrow. The difficulty is that there are 4 counties involved with different regulations and cultures.
Many of you have stated concern for my health. It is much appreciated but I am an old dog that has learned a few tricks. All I can say is that "you can be like most people and you can live your life in the trenches and duck your head but for those of you that stand up you are going to be shot at".
Be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts, be careful and meticulous and wear a bullet proof vest. And learn to duck,, quickly.
On Monday 04/10 after long weekend of Independence Day with the help of an officer from fisheries we organized a fish antipoaching exercise. We went to speak with immigration, the Police and the new BDF commander to organize representatives from each to accompany us on your mission
The Namibians on the Chobe River have been setting their nets all the way across the river for years now commencing on the Botswana side. This indiscriminate and illegal catching of fish has severely depleted the population with an untold effect on the aquatic ecosystem. The Namibians are then selling their fish in Kasane which has created a market for them.
On 04/10 after 5:30 myself and 4 plain clothed wildlife officers went up the river to do a reconnaissance. At that time we counted over 21 nets. The operation was on.
On 05/10 after treating a wounded lion in the park it was time to go.AT 5 pm as pre-organized we met at Lhea to commence operation.
My own personal boat and 2 boats from a private citizen met at agreed point. We all congregated at The BDF camp. The BDf supplied us with one more boat and 4 armed soldiers.
We had a brief meeting to discuss strategy and at 5:30 we were off.
Myself, 2 private citizens along with 4 BDF soldiers, 2 immigration officers, and 12 wildlife officers were off by boat. Two officers went by vehicle on land to Serondella to collect nets as we went along.
At 6:20 we were on scene. 5 Namibian fishermen were found on our side of the river actively setting up their nets and were arrested by each boat in turn. This is the time they are there once all boat traffic has left the park. We rendezvoused with vehicle at Serondella were we dropped off poachers and began coming down river to extract the nets that were strung right across the river. After much hard work we managed to confiscate 41 nets and quite a few fish that were already caught.
It took 3 hours to pull all the nets and then we met back at river crossing just above Chobe Game Lodge to unload nets on to vehicles.
We arrived back at the dock at 10:15 took the arrested poachers to the police station and everyone was thanked for an excellent job. No one was hurt and I went according to my plan and management.
It was a very successful and rewarding exercise. I’m sure the Namibians will not be putting their nets over on our side for some time to come.
I strongly suggest that regular BDF patrols are organized on a regular basis to patrol this area at night. The new BDF commander was in agreement with me and is keen to do this.
I’m sure the fish poaching is just as bad further upriver from Serondella to Ihaha but due to the fact that rocks in river bed would prevent boats going up past this point I suggest that the BDF above this point utilizes the airboat to patrol this section of the river.
Regular patrols will stop this activity along with banning fisherman to illegally sell their fish in our markets should give a chance for the river to replenish its fish population and normalize again. I strongly suggest we look into possibility of creating fish farming enclosures in part of the river not frequented by tourists and breeding and restocking fish populations to help the environment to recuperate.
This exercise is a perfect example of how all different departments can work in conjunction in a positive and constructive way for the benefit of the whole. We cannot continue to deplete this valuable resource and not think about tomorrow. The difficulty is that there are 4 counties involved with different regulations and cultures.
Many of you have stated concern for my health. It is much appreciated but I am an old dog that has learned a few tricks. All I can say is that "you can be like most people and you can live your life in the trenches and duck your head but for those of you that stand up you are going to be shot at".
Be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts, be careful and meticulous and wear a bullet proof vest. And learn to duck,, quickly.
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