In these dry times I’m surprised more animals don’t take advantage of the green grass flourishing in Banyini pan, just a lone zebra. A few birds patrolled the shores, Painted Snipe and Wood Sandpipers.
But all this green food proved too much for the zebra which moved on to drier pastures to balance his rich diet.
We were lucky today to be involved in the capture of 2 white rhino on Malilangwe Reserve. Of course the girls were there in force wanting to help wherever they could.
Their first task was to keep a record of the animals pulse, oxygen levels, respiration and temperature. These have to be monitored every 5 minutes to be sure the animal’s condition is stable. Any rapid change in any of these variables would trigger the vet to act.
In the meantime the vet was inserting a radio transmitter into the rhino’s horn. This will help in locating the animal daily and help in antipoaching.
The second calf was smaller and he was dehorned as they often break their horns in transit. But also to make him less of a target for rhino horn poachers. The girls task this time was to keep him cool as their body temperatures rise considerably during anaethesia.
And the final cherry on the top for the girls was a helicopter ride back to base!
So a good day for us in documenting the girls in action for our Series with Animal Planet.
Hi Kim,
What a great opportunity for your girls. I just started a Veterinary Technician program and although my chances of working with exotic animals are slim, I’ll never let go of my dream to go to Africa and work assisting the vets.
I hope you let us know when your Animal Planet Series airs!
Sure thing will definitely let you know when the Series airs!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you know, Kim, what the name of it will be yet? Can you tell us anything more about it?
Good to see those pictures of Sarah at work.
Still don’t have a title. Will get more details onto the site soon to notify you about it all. And then when it goes to air, will definitely let you know. But it will only be in the second half of next year.
Thanks, Kim … I look forward to it!!