tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47758843345918101322024-03-12T20:08:37.737-07:00The Namib Carnivore Conservation CentreA unique carnivore research and education centre based at the town of Solitaire in southern Namibia. Our aim is to conserve wild carnivore populations, educate and inspire.NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-36263130262487159212014-01-22T07:35:00.000-08:002014-01-22T07:35:06.986-08:00Moose McGregor: Namibian Legend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Say the word "Namibia" and some may recognise it's connection to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie but surprisingly, many will respond with tales of the world's best Apple Pie! </div>
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It is with a very heavy heart that we must pay tribute to the creator of that Apple Pie, Moose McGregor, who has sadly passed away. Moose moved to Solitaire over 20 years ago and started his bakery to produce a variety of sweet treats for hungry tourists stopping by the tiny town to fuel up their vehicles. His secret weapon of course was his Apple Pie, made from a secret family recipe that had been handed down to him through generations. </div>
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The unusual location and the quality of the pie soon caught the imagination of travelers; word of mouth spread and travel writers began to wax lyrical about the fabled pie and the man who created it - a big man, with a big heart and big generosity. In recent times actor Ewan Mcgregor talked about his meeting with his namesake in his book "The Long Way Down". Moose had a copy on hand and if asked would spare no time showing you the chapter where he is featured!</div>
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Myself and my partner Kate started work for the NCCC in 2011 and loved Moose from the moment we met him. He was extremely welcoming and told us how pleased he was with having the cheetahs close by and he always did his best to send guests our way. For the next two years we of course needed to go to Solitaire several times a week to get supplies and fill up cars with fuel so we spent plenty of time at the bakery chatting with Moose and often being his tasters for new recipes- a great honor! He also made us many a delicious birthday cake for us and our volunteers and on occasion offered us left over brownie mix for us to make ourselves - for us a warm moose chocolate brownie was as good if not better than the apple pie! </div>
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Kate and I have now been based at <a href="http://neuraswine.blogspot.com/">Neuras</a> for the past year but have still visited the NCCC with our volunteers on a weekly basis and we always made sure we visited the bakery to introduce our Neuras volunteers to the apple pie and say hi to Moose. Always a larger than life character he always appeared to enjoy our visits especially if our volunteers were of the female variety as he made no secret he was looking for a new wife! </div>
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Our first trip back to Solitaire after hearing the sad news was difficult. The whole town felt different, with his friends and colleagues clearly affected by his absence. For me and Kate it will never be the same, but we will always be grateful we met the man behind the legend and could call him a friend. RIP Moose, we and the rest of Namibia will miss you. </div>
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By Matt Cleverley </div>
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-76980768887185215082013-06-30T10:11:00.001-07:002013-07-02T04:39:38.162-07:00Laura's New Bling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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All of us involved with the NCCC would like to say a huge THANK YOU to those of you who not only made it through our <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/11/dancing-for-cheetahs-gangnam-style.html">Gangnam Style video </a>but then decided to donated money to provide our beautiful Laura with a new radio collar. In fact with the funds raised we were also able to purchase a new collar for Spartacus whose collar had died. </div>
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Laura had previously been fitted with a very large collar (the only one available upon her arrival at the NCCC), which despite not causing her any major discomfort was not ideal. </div>
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N/a'an ku se's director Dr Rudie van Vuuren and Head of Research Florian Wiese came to the NCCC and performed the darting procedures on both cats. The cats were only kept under a very light anesthesia in order for us to quickly exchange collars. </div>
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Both collars work extremely well; it is now so nice to see Laura and often not notice that she is even wearing a collar. Cara is very relieved to be able to know exactly where Spartacus is at all times again!</div>
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We strive to make sure our cheetahs have the best possible life, we feed them a proper diet, run them for exercise and provide them with enrichment items. To achieve this the collars are vital as they enable us to find the cats quickly, allowing us the time to look after them to this high standard. So again, to all of you who donated thank you very VERY much!!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFE8MKpoqvWgbSg-taXIX0QiNeL_fnoiU4STzzHuLPQ4DjB_XPIV6i4OXYcmBzfUCqd1l8jsDKuYKnGp_ypmGoruoh7skd1flvkGMGIgyh2yqmrD2qPlvlyVp1fte2jSPJOGiLfkkBn4/s1600/Laura_Namib_CCCC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFE8MKpoqvWgbSg-taXIX0QiNeL_fnoiU4STzzHuLPQ4DjB_XPIV6i4OXYcmBzfUCqd1l8jsDKuYKnGp_ypmGoruoh7skd1flvkGMGIgyh2yqmrD2qPlvlyVp1fte2jSPJOGiLfkkBn4/s640/Laura_Namib_CCCC.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5vFt-xtio7_pq6Z4Yo0uHYHmg4Pqxwez77WcMdFeOSFCSjcyEEj8UB2SP8qOi61Rd6D4jxm5XVItI91JPTr7V8mfcDfFnazKaNHiAi5Cj9iNG2iK5slMtHXAxZNvzH2VBc3gJ12QwhQ/s1600/Laura_Namib_Carnivore_Conservaton_Centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-12380049839505572072013-06-03T05:27:00.003-07:002013-06-30T10:31:46.658-07:00New Faces!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The NCCC has welcomed some new faces over the last couple of months, some furry and some not so furry! First we are pleased to announce the arrival of Cara Esterhuizen, who joined the NCCC last month and has taken over the Cheetah safari drives and daily husbandry of the cheetahs. Cara has lots of carnivore experience from her time with De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre in South Africa and Hammerstein Lodge in Namibia; therefore Kate and I were very relieved when she took the job!</div>
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Kate and I are still very much involved with the NCCC but we will now be based at N/a'an ku se's Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate which is just an hours drive further south. This is where the volunteer program will now be based; volunteers will still help with the research and wild carnivore tracking as well as visiting the NCCC to feed the cats and check the camera traps. </div>
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We have also recently welcomed two new cheetahs to the camp to act as ambassadors. Three year old males Teddy and Ayla were both orphaned when around six months of age. They arrived at N/a'an ku se's Wildlife Sanctuary at the same time and placed together. So although they are not related they have bonded like brothers and are inseparable. </div>
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Since their arrival they have caused a bit of trouble amongst the ladies; clearly the presence of three beautiful females has been very exciting to the young males but they have a long way to go if their aim is to impress. This is because their tactic is to charge up to them and begin fighting, you could compare it to little boys in the playground pulling the girls' hair! They are the ones who also come out second best and end up with scratches and cuts whilst the girls remain unscathed and unamused. </div>
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The mischievous youngsters are perfect ambassador cats however and are very relaxed around the tourists and have a natural ability to pose beautifully for photos. </div>
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Apologies for the lack of blog action recently, the changes have kept us pretty busy but now everyone is settled normal service shall resume and Cara will also update you all on developments here at the NCCC. The next blog will be coming very soon and will contain the exciting results of my <a href="http://namibconservationcentre.blogspot.com/2012/11/dancing-for-cheetahs.html">Gangnam Style </a>efforts! Matt</div>
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-74770674704784724282013-01-17T21:41:00.002-08:002013-01-17T21:41:23.742-08:00Volunteering at the NCCC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlyvZaJzsAVoHvrCgmGaGlCOodc_jDFpeOcV3S0l8zgqdOkBSaV33s5bW6w0MFsOj-BAzu6SctkyHHhYOfWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Here is a great video about their time with us here at the NCCC made by two of our former volunteers; Noelle van Thujil and Max Rachmat.<br />
<br />
Thanks guys!!<br />
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-78664441901999869012012-12-12T01:12:00.000-08:002013-01-18T01:30:28.583-08:00Whatever the future holds.....<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been working on this blog
entry for quite a while as its been very difficult to know exactly what
to say, and I have delayed posting until now because my <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/11/dancing-for-cheetahs-gangnam-style.html" target="_blank">Gangnam Style attempt</a> put a smile on some people's faces it seems and sadly I have to report bad news.<br />
<br />
"Whatever
the future holds"..... I wrote those words in a previous blog entry
after describing how proud we were of Betty’s progress. However, the
future held another devastatingly cruel blow because in early October
Betty strayed too close to a livestock farming area and was shot and
killed by a farmer. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
the immediate aftermath it was hard to think positively, but we have to
remember our mission to provide as many cats as we can the chance to
live their lives in the wild and we gave Annie and Betty theirs. In her 7
months of freedom Betty hunted, interacted with other cheetahs and
before her man inflicted death, proved she could survive as a wild
cheetah. In our eyes she was a huge success and it breaks our hearts
that her life has been cut short in the way it has. We are still coming
to terms with her loss and there is not much to add other than despite
how difficult it may be we are determined to improve relationships with
such farmers and educate them about living with carnivores or at the
very least persuade them to first call us for help before reaching for
the gun. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a
way of celebrating Annie and Betty’s lives what follows are some of the
best moments we, volunteers and our guests had in their company. These
beautiful sisters will always have a special place in our hearts.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Annie and Betty</u></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y2HxZvKPyg38T18_o4zkR8AUwxWv0R5-hJJTCviMgiinZsVd24dzeldSkz_GQK2xSNndvqJzsC7O_ctM8Us4ba8SgzPooUGnWIilhrBLwLpeElnRD5zOiPthiNRROcRJBqKSzY4eU1Xs/s1600/Solitaire_Annie&Betty_Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y2HxZvKPyg38T18_o4zkR8AUwxWv0R5-hJJTCviMgiinZsVd24dzeldSkz_GQK2xSNndvqJzsC7O_ctM8Us4ba8SgzPooUGnWIilhrBLwLpeElnRD5zOiPthiNRROcRJBqKSzY4eU1Xs/s640/Solitaire_Annie&Betty_Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A New Home:</b><br />
Annie and Betty were released into the NCCC’s 500ha soft-release enclosure on the <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/07/an-introduction-to-nccc.html" target="_blank">27th of June 2011</a>. Marking the start of the NCCC and a moment captured for the series finale of the Animal Planet documentary series “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkEc2Mv4tbo&feature=relmfu" target="_blank">Wild Animal Orphans</a>”. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZgTAAaU4WBRbvX9wYouzoZMh2kQK2NAND0pVOWpjGXwhDv3nou0ZksvJpp3lXoqLLHEZfJ1MZc5vj8vqemLW345pQG_liqQd-h3k2lE9sLKb_OP_gdHMuQT5jUPXmzQCMo_sVBfRVgKM/s1600/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Release_Annie&Betty_Solitaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZgTAAaU4WBRbvX9wYouzoZMh2kQK2NAND0pVOWpjGXwhDv3nou0ZksvJpp3lXoqLLHEZfJ1MZc5vj8vqemLW345pQG_liqQd-h3k2lE9sLKb_OP_gdHMuQT5jUPXmzQCMo_sVBfRVgKM/s640/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Release_Annie&Betty_Solitaire.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Tourists who signed up for our cheetah tracking safari took many amazing pictures of the sisters:<br />
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<br />
“<i>I had the privilege of making a tour with Kate at the NCCC. I
believe the names of the two females I saw were Betty and Annie. It was
just the two of us and we saw three Springbok going into the direction
of where Kate had found the girls with her tracking antenna. All of a
sudden we saw Annie starting to chase them at full speed! I remember
Kate murmuring “Go girl, go. You can do it!" Annie tripped one of them,
but the Springbok got away. Kate thinks it was her inexperience. At that
time I said to Kate "This is the most extraordinary moment in my life, I
can now die happily</i>!" ” - John Lahey, Cheetah tracking safari guest. <br />
<br />
<b>The Release:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“<i>The most memorable moment of our stay has been the release of Annie
and Betty aka the two sisters. These cheetahs were <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-realities-of-conservation-joy-and.html" target="_blank">released on the 10th of March</a> at the Namib Naukluft Lodge. It was simply amazing</i>!!!” - Volunteers Charlene Hotlett and Marie van Eupen.</div>
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The last photo of the sisters together on the Naukluft Lodge farm:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mXwsW4CHZm7Pm3nUMFtIVDYvXxgCPJUk8lZ38H-raTmoxjsUzUFIG0gIRzQGbMGDPFVoHLXNub6qqztQ7kG0xuYXy7V9aqZFaFxkkpF6yZdV5h-e9GiGKj7gw1YECYuihmpBeomRwNI3/s1600/Namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mXwsW4CHZm7Pm3nUMFtIVDYvXxgCPJUk8lZ38H-raTmoxjsUzUFIG0gIRzQGbMGDPFVoHLXNub6qqztQ7kG0xuYXy7V9aqZFaFxkkpF6yZdV5h-e9GiGKj7gw1YECYuihmpBeomRwNI3/s640/Namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Betty's Success: </b><br />
After
Annie's death we followed the progress of Betty and she did amazingly
well, providing us and our volunteers some unforgettable experiences:<br />
<br />
“<i>My favourite moment at the NCCC has to be the day we took a drive
out to a nearby farm to check up on Betty who was released back into the
wild three months ago. After approximately half an hour tracking her
using the radio signals from her collar, we found her lying under a
scrubby bush, looking like she had made recently made a kill. Seeing her
looking so healthy and relaxed, taking care of herself in this harsh
wilderness brought a thrill to me that will be hard to beat</i>.” - Volunteer Marion Goedhart.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<i>"To
say Betty was an incredible cheetah would be an understatement. Anyone
who volunteered at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre would
understand that Betty was a superstar among cheetahs, and her trials,
tragedies, and triumphs were stuff that movies are made of. Just like
any celebrity has their paparazzi’s, we volunteers happily stalked Betty
as she explored her new home gaining the inexplicable joy that comes
with watching a once captive animal now running free. I had the pleasure
of tracking Betty this past July where we ran across her in the midst
of a ‘whorl-wind romance’. Matt, my fellow volunteers, and myself found
Betty sitting under a tree across the riverbed from us, and then much to
our surprise, another cheetah head popped out of the tall grass. A shy
young male was courting our lovely Betty, and we could not have been
more excited. We sat and watched the romance unfold with an hour of
steamy looks, coy flirtation (and many excited whispers on our part)
before we left the lovebirds by themselves. There aren’t nearly enough
words to explain the excitement we all felt on that day and how we
couldn’t stop telling ourselves and everyone else that Betty had a BF!
The loss of Betty is truly a tragedy. She will leave a hole in a good
many hearts, and she certainly will be missed in Solitaire. Betty, thank
you for the joy you brought all of us. Now I hope that you will run
free forever.</i>" - Volunteer Kellie Laity<br />
<br />
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<br />
The
day I tracked Betty and saw her hunt a young Oryx right in front of me
will stay with me forever. Despite how painful loosing her is I will
always remember that Betty had the opportunity to do what cheetahs are
born to do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2acfZrf3gVv1lYCbEM-iGNRAjPswgUZD7ArnraE4zSDgE7fLpek-1eHoNVg3ysYHpZKq692L8uvqVvjGXuy2xBlshxZpQn9CnGqGcCm1LmfSQcgcSx-wDVV-_ll9Qz6X6LrO21Y_C0ugu/s1600/NCCC_Solitaire_Betty_Oryx_Kill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2acfZrf3gVv1lYCbEM-iGNRAjPswgUZD7ArnraE4zSDgE7fLpek-1eHoNVg3ysYHpZKq692L8uvqVvjGXuy2xBlshxZpQn9CnGqGcCm1LmfSQcgcSx-wDVV-_ll9Qz6X6LrO21Y_C0ugu/s640/NCCC_Solitaire_Betty_Oryx_Kill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Never to be forgotten:</b><br />
This photo of Annie taken by one of the very first tourists to go on a
cheetah tracking safari became the inspiration for our logo: <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_IWmmCpYf3Uu5w0PHSwK7XimfvI6seNt36iLcLkFa2uDkVm6MNZzMPiH2-l3_x6_83qJ1sOj0XE3DxLG56zHM1Zy0uFtnwxj2Mkcw5_APBuDXCDTvWNn6lrOoXi5PtnAezKZJrRnLQtb/s1600/Nambi_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_IWmmCpYf3Uu5w0PHSwK7XimfvI6seNt36iLcLkFa2uDkVm6MNZzMPiH2-l3_x6_83qJ1sOj0XE3DxLG56zHM1Zy0uFtnwxj2Mkcw5_APBuDXCDTvWNn6lrOoXi5PtnAezKZJrRnLQtb/s640/Nambi_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Former
student intern Laura Eikendal chose this photo of Annie and Betty as
the inspiration to make our donation box which she recently sent out to
us and now has pride of place in the Guest Farm’s reception:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3T3J-oWPIKKEmARyzbsYdKVd7IK0zZD90o2q2_yLLBCU5Wa_3ogMobsSNEt1s7LRAu9LT883mcFDOUNHj0Qh0MhJdXGI2__hMXGDzjfs9L56lLZuqDayulNrows591BVOiaY9lH1uUL-/s1600/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Donation_Solitaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3T3J-oWPIKKEmARyzbsYdKVd7IK0zZD90o2q2_yLLBCU5Wa_3ogMobsSNEt1s7LRAu9LT883mcFDOUNHj0Qh0MhJdXGI2__hMXGDzjfs9L56lLZuqDayulNrows591BVOiaY9lH1uUL-/s640/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Centre_Donation_Solitaire.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3qi9tMVyXKvV8nppIQeLHw2LlZgsOMB5cJ8PbObUcs3H_UJ9OZP39vP0R6e9QeewP-jl_oKDohsUFvAg1DGPyaTH0Mo-OkFxHRloVpUiVuAXrG__g9oMeLHMn4BPtSr3vpotYJMawT29/s1600/Annie_Betty_Release_Namib_Carnivore_conservation_Centre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3qi9tMVyXKvV8nppIQeLHw2LlZgsOMB5cJ8PbObUcs3H_UJ9OZP39vP0R6e9QeewP-jl_oKDohsUFvAg1DGPyaTH0Mo-OkFxHRloVpUiVuAXrG__g9oMeLHMn4BPtSr3vpotYJMawT29/s1600/Annie_Betty_Release_Namib_Carnivore_conservation_Centre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3qi9tMVyXKvV8nppIQeLHw2LlZgsOMB5cJ8PbObUcs3H_UJ9OZP39vP0R6e9QeewP-jl_oKDohsUFvAg1DGPyaTH0Mo-OkFxHRloVpUiVuAXrG__g9oMeLHMn4BPtSr3vpotYJMawT29/s1600/Annie_Betty_Release_Namib_Carnivore_conservation_Centre.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3qi9tMVyXKvV8nppIQeLHw2LlZgsOMB5cJ8PbObUcs3H_UJ9OZP39vP0R6e9QeewP-jl_oKDohsUFvAg1DGPyaTH0Mo-OkFxHRloVpUiVuAXrG__g9oMeLHMn4BPtSr3vpotYJMawT29/s640/Annie_Betty_Release_Namib_Carnivore_conservation_Centre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-53887096701575473102012-11-12T00:59:00.000-08:002013-01-18T01:42:03.851-08:00Dancing for the Cheetahs, Gangnam Style!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gF9Kr90YYYg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
We
hope you enjoyed that! As the video states we are aiming to get a new
radio collar for one of our cats inside our 500ha soft-release
enclosure. The cat in question is our beautiful 9-year-old female Laura
who since <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-arrivals-laura-and-cubs.html" target="_blank">arriving here at the NCCC</a>
has had a large ugly collar because upon her arrival the smaller collar
assigned for her stopped working. Not knowing if she would stay with
her daughter Rusty we had to put the only collar available to us collar
on her in order to ensure she was fed in the first few weeks. The new
collar will be much more comfortable for Laura. It will also allow us to
use her old collar for tracking training exercises and could be used
for a larger animal in the future.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/SSDkPW" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Please Donate Here </span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kT0vb7T3F-IpW9zouwynV7MtTWlLLm8FeKSjvG63s_3UqRFtCe91MkomiruA4QMsqRcSUVmp63PPV7nbNmZQonEOqI4lc4oNFT65c6CfPiO5wMotsXsxDhcNzHB3eTGuzkra70Olzb0j/s1600/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Laura_Radio_Collar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kT0vb7T3F-IpW9zouwynV7MtTWlLLm8FeKSjvG63s_3UqRFtCe91MkomiruA4QMsqRcSUVmp63PPV7nbNmZQonEOqI4lc4oNFT65c6CfPiO5wMotsXsxDhcNzHB3eTGuzkra70Olzb0j/s640/Namib_Carnivore_Conservation_Laura_Radio_Collar.jpg" width="486" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We have also just started a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/NamibCCC" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.
Visit to keep up-to-date with the daily activities here at the NCCC and
PLEASE spread the word to all your friends.......... I mean, how many
other conservation organisations have staff members doing a bit of
Gangnam Style?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Thank you :) </div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-53123143529016568772012-10-03T00:55:00.000-07:002013-01-17T00:55:38.498-08:00The Realities of Conservation: The Joy & the Heartbreak, Part Two<div style="text-align: justify;">
Part one this blog entry focused a
lot on the heartbreaking nature of this line of work but this part
contains a lot of joy! After Annie’s death we decided to check on Betty
every three days to closely monitor her progress. We felt enormous
relief every time we found her alive and well. Relief was followed by
real encouragement in early April when we discovered her with a big full
belly. Her kill was still close by; a juvenile Aardwolf. Betty had now
proven herself capable of surviving on her own and we decided to back
off from our intensive monitoring and check on her every 10 days. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM5j6iwEPnDOJKsaWD0cAldKmv1_bi4JQuket4PfPgqRXSUKWJrvPLV2Hu3kBpO5PjCONgTsna1ntp0FhujAwfS5A4vHN3TTdQZBVuYvaa4-A8aMFiqEZ52-04y-Rq-6awJJQ7NbYA6ji/s1600/NCCC_Betty_Release_Solitaire_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM5j6iwEPnDOJKsaWD0cAldKmv1_bi4JQuket4PfPgqRXSUKWJrvPLV2Hu3kBpO5PjCONgTsna1ntp0FhujAwfS5A4vHN3TTdQZBVuYvaa4-A8aMFiqEZ52-04y-Rq-6awJJQ7NbYA6ji/s640/NCCC_Betty_Release_Solitaire_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I
am pleased to report that since the Aardwolf kill Betty has gone from
strength to strength. The following map shows her movements since the
GPS collar was placed on her. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsb_tY1U1Y_2lXzOkgZkO5kC5h5sOzDWRBI77NHpUYwG6ZvzHargrVFf9YcduOxoF8rjDOvcax4KRLN1avNDpsR-yvac5R8GjDpvJDAjleIjVyWXAg_FrudjSODrzDQIAqWpTQI6DuvAG/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsb_tY1U1Y_2lXzOkgZkO5kC5h5sOzDWRBI77NHpUYwG6ZvzHargrVFf9YcduOxoF8rjDOvcax4KRLN1avNDpsR-yvac5R8GjDpvJDAjleIjVyWXAg_FrudjSODrzDQIAqWpTQI6DuvAG/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Our
ability to observe Betty at close quarters has provided us a unique
opportunity to document the progress of this re-released cheetah. She
has remained on friendly territory close to her release site, is hunting
regularly and is looking in extremely good health.<br />
<br />
On
the 1st of August Betty’s GPS point located her on property belonging
to Ababis Guest Farm, who are one of our neighbours and kindly allow us
onto their land. Myself and our N/a'an ku se volunteers were closing
in on Betty’s signal on foot when in the distance we saw a cheetah head
pop up out of the long grass. We immediately hid ourselves behind some
bush and a quick check through the binoculars confirmed that it was
Betty. Then, to our surprise, another cheetah head popped up just behind
hers! From a distance we continued to observer the two cheetahs for
almost an hour. Betty’s companion crept closer to her position but we
could only ever see the head, making it hard to ascertain if it was a
male of female.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu5-atRmlNEpg6d9el-E-sl8Ntfc3LwRIkEet4padRbEglW2ak2m0AOrFbVKlEAuKVnCxqQArnNbf7ZWA3vAf8bURNgLaKvzeOkq_5dkKaeIQlipssaAJfSBT8-Qt18H8lRsxtDi0jTuf/s1600/NCCC_Betty_Tracking_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu5-atRmlNEpg6d9el-E-sl8Ntfc3LwRIkEet4padRbEglW2ak2m0AOrFbVKlEAuKVnCxqQArnNbf7ZWA3vAf8bURNgLaKvzeOkq_5dkKaeIQlipssaAJfSBT8-Qt18H8lRsxtDi0jTuf/s640/NCCC_Betty_Tracking_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmpgwcVhmeoTDW-romtMTVk7j7a8hv9mQq-dR9feWvrCklaT5B4XrzSzDw_m8RKCsD3DIZc5SGLUfiv4ExFhEuRmrnL-N-qfEcbFI-fRYlzIraWllKNlO42xZ-4WLcw8HFUEghyaFq5GR/s1600/NCCC_Cheetah_Tracking_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmpgwcVhmeoTDW-romtMTVk7j7a8hv9mQq-dR9feWvrCklaT5B4XrzSzDw_m8RKCsD3DIZc5SGLUfiv4ExFhEuRmrnL-N-qfEcbFI-fRYlzIraWllKNlO42xZ-4WLcw8HFUEghyaFq5GR/s640/NCCC_Cheetah_Tracking_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Chances
of course are high that it was indeed a male trying to impress our
beautiful Betty, especially as only days previously a male was sighted
in that exact area. After the shock of loosing Annie, the thought of
finding Betty with cubs in three months time would be a dream come true.
We will of course keep you informed of any developments!<br />
<br />
Another
unforgettable encounter occurred only weeks later. On the 2nd of
September Betty was again spotted on Ababis’ property during one of our
game counts stalking a large group of Oryx. She crept to within almost
100m from the group but one observant Oryx spotted her and spooked the
herd into running away. The next morning myself and our volunteers
headed straight to the area where the Oryx herd was last sighted and a
loud ‘beep’ form our radio-telemetry receiver indicated Betty was very
close. We moved towards the ‘beep’ and hoped to find Betty tucking into a
kill or at least nursing a very full belly. <br />
<br />
I then
heard rustling in the bushes ahead and whispered for everyone to stop, a
young oryx calf then shot across us through the grass, closely followed
by Betty....... we couldn’t believe our eyes! Betty and her prey
quickly disappeared into long grass and we in turn gave chase. Within
seconds the distinctive cry of an oryx in distress was heard and then
silence. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt6pR15aZ8GX0A-vcIQTiOaycNtjfYageQZgMZFdrKPeqzBiNswsXK3XEVldQdUA3AX873LUL8I3jzGTMjD8Eu8PeIICv6Uu57bGGsCo6gf2jUesTloxowv7OY8_cCmfnnTYoaLXOiMcI/s1600/P1120555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt6pR15aZ8GX0A-vcIQTiOaycNtjfYageQZgMZFdrKPeqzBiNswsXK3XEVldQdUA3AX873LUL8I3jzGTMjD8Eu8PeIICv6Uu57bGGsCo6gf2jUesTloxowv7OY8_cCmfnnTYoaLXOiMcI/s400/P1120555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Our
heart rates soaring we crept closer until we spotted the flailing legs
of the young Oryx, which was on its back with Betty’s mouth biting tight
around its throat. Thankfully for the unlucky calf death came very
quickly. It is moments like this which make me feel extremely grateful
to be doing the job I am! We watched intently as Betty released her
grip on the lifeless body and moved to the shade of a nearby tree,
panting heavily. We watched for an hour but Betty chose not to tuck into
her kill. Judging by her belly she looked to have already eaten
something recently so the Oryx calf may just have been an opportunistic
kill. We decided to leave her but I had already made up my mind to
return the next day to confirm if Betty had eaten. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSDTI2HcHmeTRkT3OleEdK2REMRdyQcJpIyRhlufVI5BCbtV07qrDnvfiL8y62eL66rfh__Vyb_ZZL_mFDKWBzv02ykcbWl-Idy30A-XSA7N09LojcCCpOmbYrfPQXnYNsJm-lwGWZ4ik/s1600/IMG_0887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSDTI2HcHmeTRkT3OleEdK2REMRdyQcJpIyRhlufVI5BCbtV07qrDnvfiL8y62eL66rfh__Vyb_ZZL_mFDKWBzv02ykcbWl-Idy30A-XSA7N09LojcCCpOmbYrfPQXnYNsJm-lwGWZ4ik/s640/IMG_0887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArcazktRcVmYjxSC6EG4ceo4aO8FA116ZLpHAbCKqsCWsd62Ts8cTHu3m79noOP3be2oRb4iHgJFS90Bf67s3mpMR61p1tiSSi5VEY1TYiVcPLyBhk781oOBONUrNkpjnmmOXG-bWBuCq/s1600/NCCC_Betty_Oryx_Kill_Solitaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArcazktRcVmYjxSC6EG4ceo4aO8FA116ZLpHAbCKqsCWsd62Ts8cTHu3m79noOP3be2oRb4iHgJFS90Bf67s3mpMR61p1tiSSi5VEY1TYiVcPLyBhk781oOBONUrNkpjnmmOXG-bWBuCq/s640/NCCC_Betty_Oryx_Kill_Solitaire.png" width="640" /></a></div>
First
thing the next morning I headed out to the same area and after getting
by bearings a little wrong I ended up approaching the scene from a
different angle to the previous day and found myself a little too close
to Betty and her kill. She wasted no time charging towards me, hissing
and spitting. I slowly backed away and was pleased to observe a much
bigger belly on Betty and a good portion of the calf’s hind quarters
eaten. Having confirmed what I wanted to know I left Betty alone to
continue enjoying her prize. Watching Betty successfully living life as a
wild cheetah has been a joy
for me and Kate and no matter what the future may hold we are
exceptionally proud of her! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2acfZrf3gVv1lYCbEM-iGNRAjPswgUZD7ArnraE4zSDgE7fLpek-1eHoNVg3ysYHpZKq692L8uvqVvjGXuy2xBlshxZpQn9CnGqGcCm1LmfSQcgcSx-wDVV-_ll9Qz6X6LrO21Y_C0ugu/s1600/NCCC_Solitaire_Betty_Oryx_Kill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2acfZrf3gVv1lYCbEM-iGNRAjPswgUZD7ArnraE4zSDgE7fLpek-1eHoNVg3ysYHpZKq692L8uvqVvjGXuy2xBlshxZpQn9CnGqGcCm1LmfSQcgcSx-wDVV-_ll9Qz6X6LrO21Y_C0ugu/s640/NCCC_Solitaire_Betty_Oryx_Kill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We
are the Namib CARNIVORE Conservation Centre so that does mean we deal
with animals other than cheetahs. In early September 2011 two orphaned
female Genets we found alone in the bush and handed over to us. Genets
are very shy nocturnal animals and quite rare to see. They are very good
climbers and spend most of the night on the hunt for small mammals,
reptiles and birds. <br />
<br />
The two young sisters were kept
away from human activity and Kate, myself and our volunteers have had
many interesting nights trying to catch frogs from the river bed to feed
them. Sadly, earlier this year one of the sisters died of an unknown
cause but on the 29th of July the surviving Genet named ‘Jenny’ was
released behind our campsite, marking our fourth carnivore release.
Jenny has not been sighted since but that was to be expected due to her
shy nature but we hope she is enjoying her freedom again. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIQ5V-TyJmA9E8-isqewOaNYvtKgP5LHS5jWMq8yLJIYC3QjcP1rX5IOagoMFoZLgSO8GOinYJwqyKq7ELPZnArUTPRzvyUjK_b8WkLOkOV9py0f4wGdsKONnfHzExUkd5pF_1FnKArAy/s1600/NCCC_Genet_Release_Solitaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIQ5V-TyJmA9E8-isqewOaNYvtKgP5LHS5jWMq8yLJIYC3QjcP1rX5IOagoMFoZLgSO8GOinYJwqyKq7ELPZnArUTPRzvyUjK_b8WkLOkOV9py0f4wGdsKONnfHzExUkd5pF_1FnKArAy/s640/NCCC_Genet_Release_Solitaire.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We
are also currently holding two young Caracal kittens that we collected
on the 18th of June after receiving a call from another of our
neighbours after one of her worker's dogs had killed the mother.</div>
Upon
collection we determined that we had a pair of sisters who have
subsequently been named Kylie and Dani. We will keep the sisters until
they have reached maturity where we then aim to source a radio collar
and release them back to the wild.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhvaRoui3hq2aNE8luF2GH5q88KZ2vQ-SaokPbjgjO1k5pnwtdchsqhWluCe3jxq06TfmvJNZJ2TFwUtTE3peB4moSQbdQcyL-lSBwfLSQIUTBOoJ_BjJWRELWd_3quQ9toRNMcmu8qur/s1600/NCCC_Caracal_Kittens_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhvaRoui3hq2aNE8luF2GH5q88KZ2vQ-SaokPbjgjO1k5pnwtdchsqhWluCe3jxq06TfmvJNZJ2TFwUtTE3peB4moSQbdQcyL-lSBwfLSQIUTBOoJ_BjJWRELWd_3quQ9toRNMcmu8qur/s640/NCCC_Caracal_Kittens_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So
as promised a blog entry filled with some happier stories! I'll leave
with a quick reminder to all our British friends that the Animal Planet
documentary series about N/a'an ku se called <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/naankuse-news-and-events.html" target="_blank">"Wild Animal Orphans"</a>
has just begun so make sure to check it out on Thursdays at 8pm,
especially because The NCCC is featured in the series finale! </div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-81574819717638111382012-08-13T00:52:00.000-07:002013-01-18T01:43:37.696-08:00The Realities of Conservation: The Joy & the Heartbreak, Part One<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think many in this field of work would agree that a career
in conservation is one of the most rewarding you can find. Being able to work
up close to such amazing wildlife provides some unbelievable highs, but there
is always the chance to have your heartbroken. Here at the NCCC the first half
of 2012 has provided both ends of this spectrum in equal measure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4nnuFR8JxBZtxVj7JCG9Q8Wn4u4SEV5sr6VU_FB9DbxnvEJmol6jYOxkKWiRATBNtrgFxJg5rJ45uUmPOVyNXsS6cSAjgQd_tOEi21AYnhYMANUjOfO6-YiT3sLUhHfnjV624H9utx5I/s1600/DSC06570.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4nnuFR8JxBZtxVj7JCG9Q8Wn4u4SEV5sr6VU_FB9DbxnvEJmol6jYOxkKWiRATBNtrgFxJg5rJ45uUmPOVyNXsS6cSAjgQd_tOEi21AYnhYMANUjOfO6-YiT3sLUhHfnjV624H9utx5I/s640/DSC06570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly Kate and I must announce the sad news that Sandy,
one of our family group that <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-arrivals-laura-and-cubs.html" target="_blank">arrived in December 2011</a> passed away due to a very
rare condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew something
was wrong in early March when Sandy was unable to eat any meat given to her;
her condition quickly deteriorated and immediate action had to be taken. Kate
and our volunteers performed a minor miracle in the pouring rain, and managed
to get Sandy into a transport cage, then drove her on awful muddy roads all the
way to Windhoek Animal Hospital. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
An ultrasound, blood work, and faecal tests all proved
inconclusive; it was a complete mystery to why Sandy was ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fluids were administered, and food was
pumped into her stomach with the hope this would aid in her recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly two days later Sandy died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only after the necropsy was
preformed that the cause of death was discovered. An un-diagnosed band of scar
tissue had formed around her duodenum (small intestine), causing a
blockage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is thought Sandy
suffered some kind of trauma early in her life, causing the development of scar
tissue and tragically it was only a matter of time. The loss of Sandy was very upsetting, especially when we saw
Rusty calling for her sibling in the immediate days afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are only comforted in the knowledge
that we did all we could to help her. Rusty still has her mother Laura and to
this day the pair are always found in our soft-release camp together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHWBTbsmo8IFvslPu6SY8iNMdPea-BcgOHmhzFL1tEMG-gOdAnn_7ke6e1wlBtgWPYcdyWlhgorHA3eACII8PXKFGBDyRS7bHEGujDRyEhm4VAENcWuj6oICfWkPbOHDwmEev5s6qiJLV/s1600/P1040376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHWBTbsmo8IFvslPu6SY8iNMdPea-BcgOHmhzFL1tEMG-gOdAnn_7ke6e1wlBtgWPYcdyWlhgorHA3eACII8PXKFGBDyRS7bHEGujDRyEhm4VAENcWuj6oICfWkPbOHDwmEev5s6qiJLV/s640/P1040376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Just before Sandy’s decline in health the NCCC had one of
its most exciting days, because on the 10<sup>th</sup> of March our sisters
Annie and Betty who arrived at the <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/07/an-introduction-to-nccc.html" target="_blank">very start of the project</a> were released back
to the wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The release of Annie and Betty became possible due to a new
friendship between the NCCC and the <a href="http://www.namib-naukluft-lodge.com/" target="_blank">Namib Naukluft Lodge</a>, which began when we
were allowed onto their property to track our <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/09/boris-first-release.html" target="_blank">first released cheetah Boris</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/05/boris-update.html" target="_blank">tracking Boris with manager Marko Van Dorssen</a> that the idea of releasing cheetahs onto
their farm came up in conservation. Marko was extremely enthusiastic about the
prospect and promised to talk to the Namib Naukluft Lodge owner Friedolf Sturm.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Because Annie and Betty had been captive for four years they
had become habituated to the presence of people and despite us being able to
stop their inclination to chase vehicles, their chances of release had been
thought to be very unlikely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, for two important reasons the prospect of release onto the
Namib Naukluft Lodge farm gave them the perfect opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstly the 20,000ha Lodge farm was
home to huge numbers of game, which were not present on the NCCC research site
and secondly we would be able to monitor the cats very closely for the first
few weeks immediately after release, which for long time captive cheetahs is
crucial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is because more
often than not it takes the cats a couple of weeks to ‘switch on’ to the fact
they are wild requiring us to provide them with a small supplemental meal to
ensure they have energy to hunt but not enough to make them full. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Marko and Friedolf then visited the <a href="http://www.solitaireguestfarm.com/" target="_blank">Guest Farm</a> one evening
and over a few drinks they described their excitement at the chance to become
involved with the NCCC and by the end of the evening a plan had been made to
release Annie and Betty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The day before release, Jim, Leonie and our volunteers
Charlene and Marie (volunteer report to come soon) helped us get the girls in a
trap cage and then give them a huge meal to munch on overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the morning of the release our
N/a’an ku se colleague <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/home/meet-the-naankuse-team-and-staff.html" target="_blank">Stu Monroe</a> arrived with his volunteers; not only because
of the chance to see the release but importantly to lend us the use of his open
backed car to transport the girls to their new home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO2r4DmtXvG53qCYXaNnC1s-KmkgscJR3yD4kXHRdGzgPqZtfYu0Bh3sHhxmh7OhzTQrRZKkyO8VhLrPt5RCaI5HmZPBYAWMRCx2rTmDX6aVN46BFQjT4yIoGx7qHy5T2u9IITyz2Kfqe/s1600/IMG_3864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjO2r4DmtXvG53qCYXaNnC1s-KmkgscJR3yD4kXHRdGzgPqZtfYu0Bh3sHhxmh7OhzTQrRZKkyO8VhLrPt5RCaI5HmZPBYAWMRCx2rTmDX6aVN46BFQjT4yIoGx7qHy5T2u9IITyz2Kfqe/s640/IMG_3864.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The excited entourage with precious cargo made the short
20-minute drive to the Namib Naukluft Lodge where we met up with Marko,
Friedolf and other members of their family who were all eagerly anticipating
the arrival of Annie and Betty. We followed Friedolf and set off to the release
site, an area deep into the beautiful Namib Naukluft Lodge farm and close to a
water source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The big moment had finally arrived, we offloaded the girls
and thanks to my skills at the dartboard the previous night I had won the
honour to open the cage. Watching the two cats we had cared for since the start
of the NCCC walking away into the distance with no fences to stop them was very
emotional with a mixture of happiness and anxiety; just how would these
two-orphaned sisters cope with a life in the wild?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Champagne was popped and an important milestone for the NCCC
was toasted, not only to Annie and Betty’s new freedom but also to a great new
friendship with one of our closet neighbours. It was a fantastic day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dO9OCZWkgvxqs6mPDMgl33qg9plcWTxgIKKfbui3T-81t1JwTQ23s_QrTVA5vNTudvJp9ROUyI43fjyjIR7T3wFmr18ExiYNCsJNjeMtEA_RMhyphenhyphenxMVBu-7gbcEo8-z7W0aqd0gf2PKD3/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dO9OCZWkgvxqs6mPDMgl33qg9plcWTxgIKKfbui3T-81t1JwTQ23s_QrTVA5vNTudvJp9ROUyI43fjyjIR7T3wFmr18ExiYNCsJNjeMtEA_RMhyphenhyphenxMVBu-7gbcEo8-z7W0aqd0gf2PKD3/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzBIP2QbfMTuHURwXvNddbwmGR23jPkHc77kFPa_yJvb2WiFfVa_MAlHJDcnmBPCzZ9vh1mZQtU7XcqUwGswIwrE8FJZ18KYEyJwCYEfy0xDvf9QSrcv44RDAzCrz4lSphkKjX_cE4Dmx/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzBIP2QbfMTuHURwXvNddbwmGR23jPkHc77kFPa_yJvb2WiFfVa_MAlHJDcnmBPCzZ9vh1mZQtU7XcqUwGswIwrE8FJZ18KYEyJwCYEfy0xDvf9QSrcv44RDAzCrz4lSphkKjX_cE4Dmx/s640/IMG_3918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Annie had been fitted with a <a href="http://www.sirtrack.com/" target="_blank">Sirtrack</a> donated GPS collar a
couple of weeks prior to release and due to her downloaded GPS co-ordinates we
were able to closely monitor the two girls for the next three weeks. As predicted
the two stayed together and we had to give them two supplemental meals as they
had not made a successful hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also as expected was the sight of Annie taking the lead and walking
ahead of Betty; Kate and I had always thought of Annie as the dominant
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two girls stayed on
the Naukluft Lodge farm and everything was going well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mXwsW4CHZm7Pm3nUMFtIVDYvXxgCPJUk8lZ38H-raTmoxjsUzUFIG0gIRzQGbMGDPFVoHLXNub6qqztQ7kG0xuYXy7V9aqZFaFxkkpF6yZdV5h-e9GiGKj7gw1YECYuihmpBeomRwNI3/s1600/Namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mXwsW4CHZm7Pm3nUMFtIVDYvXxgCPJUk8lZ38H-raTmoxjsUzUFIG0gIRzQGbMGDPFVoHLXNub6qqztQ7kG0xuYXy7V9aqZFaFxkkpF6yZdV5h-e9GiGKj7gw1YECYuihmpBeomRwNI3/s640/Namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a>However, on March 29<sup>th</sup> Kate went out with our
volunteers to the last known GPS co-ordinate of the girls and found Betty lying
in a bush alone. The radio signal from Annie’s GPS collar was close but when
Kate investigated our very worse fears came true, Annie’s lifeless body was
found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nature of her wounds
and the presence of spoor lead no doubt to the cause, Spotted Hyena. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Annie’s death devastated us, and that day is by far and away the
worst we have had in our careers. Kate and I have of course lost cats we
have worked with in the past due to illness and old age but this coming so soon after Sandy's death hurt much
more. We had cared for this beautiful cat for nine months, spending time with her almost
everyday; we had so much hope for her future and were extremely excited to
observe how this unusual female coalition would progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loosing her so soon after release was
very hard to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even typing
this now I feel the emotion of that day coming back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All thoughts immediately turned to Betty, who had just lost
the sister she had spent her life with and looked to for leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the days immediately after Annie’s
death I must admit to having an overwhelming desire to bring her back to the
NCCC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, after the initial
shock had faded we all knew that Betty still deserved her chance of
freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will always be
risks for wild cheetahs and avoiding hyenas is a lesson they all need to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Betty proved to us only four days later
that she was ready for freedom when Kate found her with a large belly,
indicating she had taken down a sizable kill. A plan was quickly made to fit Betty with the GPS collar;
N/a’an ku se’s director <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/home/history-of-naankuse.html" target="_blank">Dr Rudie Van Vuuren</a> flew down and Betty was found,
darted and fitted with her sister’s collar. Betty was then closely monitored
for the next few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
seeing her alone was heartbreaking for us, she appeared to be coping well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunsyWdq2JFdh8lpA1MIPGVzXs8mMepIbepPx2f4Py0RCMwtQxX3adqP5CrJkc5FvvDSbC5dgay-wzCK5MseWap19vVtkBbdu7v4l5r3PKJTMYAUozBvIH7lP8RKKM4-XrzlFii5eCb3Eg/s1600/Namib_conservation_centre_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunsyWdq2JFdh8lpA1MIPGVzXs8mMepIbepPx2f4Py0RCMwtQxX3adqP5CrJkc5FvvDSbC5dgay-wzCK5MseWap19vVtkBbdu7v4l5r3PKJTMYAUozBvIH7lP8RKKM4-XrzlFii5eCb3Eg/s640/Namib_conservation_centre_Betty_Solitaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Annie’s body is now buried under a bush next to our
campsite, and she will always have a special place in our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was one of the original NCCC cats
and we will always have great memories of the exciting day we started by
releasing her and Betty into the soft-release camp; a moment that was captured
for the Animal Planet documentary series <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWl7UpmNlIo" target="_blank">“Wild Animal Orphans”</a>.
We also had many amazing
moments in her company during our cheetah tracking safaris. It is the
image of
Annie looking up to the mountains captured in the photo below that gave
me the inspiration for our logo, an image I feel sums up what we are
trying to achieve
here at the NCCC. Our consolation is that, for however brief, she did
leave
this world a wild cheetah.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69uQLNDqdxCN0052KU7nxlPupe1O4QahCnYKqJ3PLkWHRUbebVycar1SndA9jEV2uriX9bZD1Ti0uikkEMAd1pZdmO628zfc42JlZF-6ShwZ5jCWhj78K_h130W8ATaw3BMfag9Ihv41Q/s1600/namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69uQLNDqdxCN0052KU7nxlPupe1O4QahCnYKqJ3PLkWHRUbebVycar1SndA9jEV2uriX9bZD1Ti0uikkEMAd1pZdmO628zfc42JlZF-6ShwZ5jCWhj78K_h130W8ATaw3BMfag9Ihv41Q/s640/namib_carnivore_conservation_centre_Annie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwtbW2PyFEbkC92Vv1L1D8G0Q1YcOx7sW7KB-Sssx4CLlSowADznrPlXZhHqF1AaXydaF_6_lFU0vQ4clH1pmw2EjDEvJPhTXDClK93TfF6j9zed9FKSRDYPd6HCYgiJ3bmMZ1oTeo0H1/s1600/IMG_0420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwtbW2PyFEbkC92Vv1L1D8G0Q1YcOx7sW7KB-Sssx4CLlSowADznrPlXZhHqF1AaXydaF_6_lFU0vQ4clH1pmw2EjDEvJPhTXDClK93TfF6j9zed9FKSRDYPd6HCYgiJ3bmMZ1oTeo0H1/s640/IMG_0420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-18744581347604091172012-07-13T00:50:00.000-07:002013-01-17T00:50:57.004-08:00Student Report: Laura Eikendal<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgJFY6YCRe0zLMw7HZ2GLethLmdK_cfOeQl9Br-qD_DS3EMuLXSY7yu7DHnzPosTcPqsJjd8FjKGxzr2D2eqgOCaRzO0_Fn5Lz4ChGuv7Z8eyfz2TIf1IqId25k1WwjGIXvNyvN0x1_1X/s1600/Solitaire_NCCC_Laura_Eikendal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgJFY6YCRe0zLMw7HZ2GLethLmdK_cfOeQl9Br-qD_DS3EMuLXSY7yu7DHnzPosTcPqsJjd8FjKGxzr2D2eqgOCaRzO0_Fn5Lz4ChGuv7Z8eyfz2TIf1IqId25k1WwjGIXvNyvN0x1_1X/s640/Solitaire_NCCC_Laura_Eikendal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What
does conservation mean nowadays? Its not about saving a particular
animal species anymore, it is all about saving and preserving
ecosystems. The aim of the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (NCCC) is
to conserve the precious ecosystems of Southern Namibia through
education and research, and by solving human-wildlife conflicts. Their
focus lies on the carnivores in the area such as leopard hyena and
cheetah, and that is where my story kicks in. Ever since I was young I
was obsessed by wild cats, especially with the cheetah. In the first
year of of my Animal Management studies at the Van Hall Insituut in the
Netherlands, they told me that I shouldn't be so focused on the cheetah
and that I should broaden my field of interest. I tried but I couldn't! I
kept my dream of working with wild cheetahs and going to Namibia. In my
fourth and last year of my Animal Management course I had to do a major
internship abroad, so I decided to follow my dream. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On
September 2nd 2011 I arrived in Namibia and my first impression was
even better than I expected! The first 10 days was spent at <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/wildlife-sanctuary-of-naankuse.html" target="_blank">N/a'an ku se's Wildlife Sanctuary</a>.
They wanted me to learn every aspect of the farm; where the animals
came from and the story behind every animal. You'll spend every day
differently, from food preparation for the animals to doing game counts.
But you'll do every activity with a lot of volunteers, which makes it a
lot of fun! Because my studies are more research orientated, I had a
little bit of a different daily schedule than the other volunteers. I
helped a lot with with the <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/carnivore-conservation.html" target="_blank">Footprint Identification Technique (FIT)</a>.
This technique is being developed to identify wild cheetah individuals
in an easy way through their spoor, and therefore many photos of spoor
samples from N/a'an ku se cheetahs are being collected. Game counts are
also an important aspect of a conservation research project. Looking at
the population dynamics of the animals living on the farmland of N/a'an
ku se will contribute to important decisions that must be taken about
the land and it's living creatures.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After
these 10 days, I was finally sent to the NCCC to do my internship of
three months. When I arrived there I met the project coordinators Matt
and Kate, who are really nice and easy going people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also the Guest Farm owners <a href="http://www.solitaireguestfarm.com/MeetStaff.htm" target="_blank">Walter and Simone</a>
are really kind and fun to be around. My research project was to
investigate the spatial use and habitat preferences of Annie and Betty
who were being held in the 500ha soft-release camp prior to their
possible release back to the wild. My task involved spending a of time
in the field with the cats, gathering data about their behaviour and
taking GPS points of their position. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxephCG2huVW124rdRMj-cO2VgDbai5a2VGHOmp_kW6Vkn1yh_IJOiV52rE3hxXxxHcOO3vPB2ub30FtAv0M9fM0gRPaR9EbAM1HufnqhPMOQsejwwiO12wxvUcL04H9mk7JQppODJynR/s1600/Solitaire_NCCC_Laura_Eikendal_Tracking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxephCG2huVW124rdRMj-cO2VgDbai5a2VGHOmp_kW6Vkn1yh_IJOiV52rE3hxXxxHcOO3vPB2ub30FtAv0M9fM0gRPaR9EbAM1HufnqhPMOQsejwwiO12wxvUcL04H9mk7JQppODJynR/s640/Solitaire_NCCC_Laura_Eikendal_Tracking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another
activity that the NCCC does for the research side of their project is
placing and controlling camera traps around the area. With this method
you can calculate the carnivore density of the area, and therefore
monitor the wildlife in the area properly. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the other side, I helped out with the <a href="http://www.solitaireguestfarm.com/Activities/CheetahTracking.htm" target="_blank">eco-tourism cheetah safari drives</a>.
Because not only is research an important aspect of conservation, so is
education and raising awareness among young people. From time to time I
had volunteers with me to help me out with gathering and classifying
all the data.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_78q_xxsqA1ipwSoJLK-jYN67WCRo10VIhfbnZwt1_6RKit7hRvqn-Gt0aaFDMKL0wp_RP_keon6xdy4WUQSyWG36nEbFFKczW_HG4UZ6o_pisn27bDECGWZypsmKIDGm5O7AZLn89z2b/s1600/Solitaire_NCCC_Annie_Betty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_78q_xxsqA1ipwSoJLK-jYN67WCRo10VIhfbnZwt1_6RKit7hRvqn-Gt0aaFDMKL0wp_RP_keon6xdy4WUQSyWG36nEbFFKczW_HG4UZ6o_pisn27bDECGWZypsmKIDGm5O7AZLn89z2b/s640/Solitaire_NCCC_Annie_Betty.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
NCCC is a perfect place to do an internship for students of Animal
Management, Ecology or other conservation related subjects. In return
for your contribution to the project, you will get good guidance,
beautiful surroundings, a lot of fun and of course an experience you'll
never forget.<br />
<br />
Laura Eikendal </div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-85956018637834664582012-06-17T00:47:00.000-07:002013-01-18T01:35:23.203-08:00Thank You!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqFd55DJPNT00ZSnJrG5GpUcKYvSI1pMFIUZCJVUdq9nUTEhJU5CFdXpRil1-bMcndHfexCmGBoeF54R-K-xdOh6aDI2it8BvFDagHmqLm4ywHapWg54tg2WuakcqIWGQg99pqRpVV4Kf/s1600/Pittsburgh_Marathon_Matt_Kate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqFd55DJPNT00ZSnJrG5GpUcKYvSI1pMFIUZCJVUdq9nUTEhJU5CFdXpRil1-bMcndHfexCmGBoeF54R-K-xdOh6aDI2it8BvFDagHmqLm4ywHapWg54tg2WuakcqIWGQg99pqRpVV4Kf/s640/Pittsburgh_Marathon_Matt_Kate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kate and I have returned from our 'vacation' to the States and as you may recall we intended to run the <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2012/04/pittsburgh-marathon-2012.html">Pittsburgh Marathon Relay to raise funds for a holding camp within our 500ha soft-release enclosure here at the NCCC</a>.
I am pleased to say that Myself, Kate and our relay teammates completed
the challenge and have survived to talk about it! For the complete
story of the day please visit my personal blog; <a href="http://cleverleydoesit.blogspot.com/2012/05/matts-american-adventure-marathon.html">Matt’s African Adventure - The Marathon</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VNIoBfOJFPUL0eTRSofFnyZjzaN5MWCAh2f2ox3HKqrq5CY2P61OrZejLCxMKOFRPVrQdvhnVpcKm-YwgKYQln27uHlOix087N5CHMt6DUYAmhhakJlt8DWejiV3DS95sTwgIvUxm7jG/s1600/Pittsburgh_Marathon_Solitaire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VNIoBfOJFPUL0eTRSofFnyZjzaN5MWCAh2f2ox3HKqrq5CY2P61OrZejLCxMKOFRPVrQdvhnVpcKm-YwgKYQln27uHlOix087N5CHMt6DUYAmhhakJlt8DWejiV3DS95sTwgIvUxm7jG/s1600/Pittsburgh_Marathon_Solitaire.png" /></a></div>
We
really want to thank all of you who donated to us, it is very much
appreciated. We are still in the planning stages of the holding camp
complex and fundraising will continue in the upcoming months. We will of
course keep you informed on our progress. For those of you who still
wish to donate then you are more than welcome :) <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=oGYoTXi1UJ0ontUDRaAh-6P2wv93575LhYZg3Fe1rTPWQxQ8HM7s9njOYK8&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d8494db9703d295b4a2116480ee01a05c" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Click here to donate!</span> </a></div>
<br />
Kate
and I also want to say a big thank you to our student interns Jim and
Leonie who did a fantastic job looking after the centre and the cats
whilst we were away. There will be more on the work Jim and Leonie are
doing at the NCCC on this blog very soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX0L8zXPDUcp3mM9afQS21womw4duk3NVBkNYDnbjhqYptgMkpoG5pBSZ-V8WE3LObRhPeaahdppfK2r5yiCYzScElCo_-6AFz8fA0Yvd9mGfBTcWzj6ykoNEsRXE2bfaLFE9pL-plrzg/s1600/IMG_3726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX0L8zXPDUcp3mM9afQS21womw4duk3NVBkNYDnbjhqYptgMkpoG5pBSZ-V8WE3LObRhPeaahdppfK2r5yiCYzScElCo_-6AFz8fA0Yvd9mGfBTcWzj6ykoNEsRXE2bfaLFE9pL-plrzg/s640/IMG_3726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-83012297493538273372012-05-01T00:45:00.000-07:002013-01-18T01:37:08.849-08:00Boris Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D9mbeosgCwLgkaMjTRifNGaWWxgjE3flObits29so5K6PM5vNLzjPOiDBIsZIwPPY_QOs5VkTHHSYYpAmA1CeW6Ot5Lu1M263UhwgXLnELF4rGwqpnMcYHAWoR82Iq336RSX7r1nGa4m/s1600/boris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D9mbeosgCwLgkaMjTRifNGaWWxgjE3flObits29so5K6PM5vNLzjPOiDBIsZIwPPY_QOs5VkTHHSYYpAmA1CeW6Ot5Lu1M263UhwgXLnELF4rGwqpnMcYHAWoR82Iq336RSX7r1nGa4m/s640/boris.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The above map shows the latest movements of our first released cheetah, <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/09/boris-first-release.html">Boris</a>. Each yellow dot represents a GPS co-ordinate that his <a href="http://www.sirtrack.com/">Sirtrack</a> GPS collar has sent on a daily basis. As you can see Boris has been on the move since our <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/12/boris-update.html">last update</a>. The big cluster of points in the bottom right of the map shows that he was quite content in this area. However, <a href="http://www.solitaireguestfarm.com/">Solitaire Guest Farm's</a>
owner Walter Swartz sighted a large coalition of SEVEN cheetahs in this
area and the very next day Boris had moved off North. Indicating that
Boris was probably forced out of his territory by this group.
Continuing Northwards one night he even returned home and walked right
through the Guest Farm itself, leaving his tracks all around our
waterhole. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boris
also moved into areas where livestock farming is prevalent causing some
anxiety amongst some local farmers, however, Boris ignored the goats
and sheep and instead hunted Springbok. One of his fully eaten kills was
even found right behind one of the farmer's houses. Boris had done an
excellent job at combating the prejudice cheetahs face by some farmers
by demonstrating that given the choice, the majority of cheetah will not
predate on livestock and when left undisturbed will eat as much as they
can and NOT be wasteful as some will call them.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As
the map shows Boris appears to have a preference for the mountain
bases, which goes against what most would have expected of a lone male.
However, clearly he has still to find a comfortable territory similar to
that of his first couple of months and has been exploring the Namib
Desert ever. since. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In early March Boris' points indicated that he was moving through one of our neighbors farms belonging to the <a href="http://www.namib-naukluft-lodge.com/">Namib Naukluft Lodge</a>.
We contacted the lodge owners and they generously allowed us onto their
land to track Boris on foot in the hope we could get a visual. The GPS
collar around Boris's neck also transmits a VHF radio frequency to allow
him to be located on the ground via radio-telemetry, in exactly the
same way we did when he was undergoing his environmental adjustment
period in the NCCC's 500ha soft-release camp. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So
on March the 6th Kate and our volunteers went out in search of Boris.
They drove to his last known position and soon picked up the 'beep' on
the radio-telemetry equipment indicating the direction to go. The closer
to Boris they got the louder the beep, when it was clear Boris was
within a kilometere the search continued on foot so not to disturb him.
The beep became louder and louder until it pointed Kate towards a medium
sized bush very close to their position. Boris was hiding in it
somewhere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusIy1wuEdpJOXh9b10EzayaI6eXDaIVZUj4QOPG7lKKxCIiwF_VfpL0eMjPg3XyVTTqQmv7U8YKEKCCRqpi5CRxyAi9nn2PnUufkEh3KEjB0u5cv9ofJvPawM5vyRJmha6hLUUmyDLsHa/s1600/DSCF6521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusIy1wuEdpJOXh9b10EzayaI6eXDaIVZUj4QOPG7lKKxCIiwF_VfpL0eMjPg3XyVTTqQmv7U8YKEKCCRqpi5CRxyAi9nn2PnUufkEh3KEjB0u5cv9ofJvPawM5vyRJmha6hLUUmyDLsHa/s640/DSCF6521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
search party with binoculars and cameras at the ready began moving
slowly to try and gain a better vantage point and see if Boris could be
seen. But then a rustle of the bushes was quickly followed by a blur of
movement as Boris had spotted the party and ran away into the distance.
Somehow one of our volunteers managed to get a great shot of Boris
emerging from the bush, looking lean and muscular; the perfect physique
for a cheetah. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUQKzCjhOpqzQvsNPzL_ie8e5R77quGRD3brv22tb6Ros1G7lNKqpzcDQ0WeM-k5l6N2-fO6zGIzRHaw65QoqqVGgAgr53QNT6twIRX-1iMiP6tQDMlJfrWVA5znZpo9mwEWjvMz6byI/s1600/runbushcrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUQKzCjhOpqzQvsNPzL_ie8e5R77quGRD3brv22tb6Ros1G7lNKqpzcDQ0WeM-k5l6N2-fO6zGIzRHaw65QoqqVGgAgr53QNT6twIRX-1iMiP6tQDMlJfrWVA5znZpo9mwEWjvMz6byI/s640/runbushcrop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC68dd3y4Xx3MkGdG-Bv71DtKaUFdEzTx_Cpu-tl9qaZAhsdYemiZX4Ay6hRIcVwL_aN949NQDCD8t3kAWHUwL94BoqF7aLxMs6v-DfVB45IsKUBjjrP_Z1GQ-uWHAq86-HMVXJLvYPqtb/s1600/runcrop2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC68dd3y4Xx3MkGdG-Bv71DtKaUFdEzTx_Cpu-tl9qaZAhsdYemiZX4Ay6hRIcVwL_aN949NQDCD8t3kAWHUwL94BoqF7aLxMs6v-DfVB45IsKUBjjrP_Z1GQ-uWHAq86-HMVXJLvYPqtb/s640/runcrop2.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Disturbing
him was unfortunate but thankfully, once realising he was under no
threat Boris stopped in his tracks, relaxed and sat in the bush only a
few hundred metres away. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seeing
Boris in such good condition was great to see; proving that he is
having no problem hunting in his new environment. Since that day Boris
has continued moving South and is currently in the Namib Naukluft Park.
Boris is doing better than we could have hoped and he has been the
perfect ambassador for his species due to his behaviour whilst moving
through farming areas. We are extremely proud of him! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NwzeP-SsstrAaYHNJqKBO74iS8giI46xKtR77kkF0c6-gl9jOFJ5G4EtSY5bYCP3nuCIKHVUO3jmOWTb68roP6GIFtHwRy_-MafzR-1DlixVWfDjtTfElCPaqsP-6Q19oRDtndzcoqAg/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NwzeP-SsstrAaYHNJqKBO74iS8giI46xKtR77kkF0c6-gl9jOFJ5G4EtSY5bYCP3nuCIKHVUO3jmOWTb68roP6GIFtHwRy_-MafzR-1DlixVWfDjtTfElCPaqsP-6Q19oRDtndzcoqAg/s640/IMG_0348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-1237282529722981642012-04-04T00:42:00.000-07:002013-01-17T00:43:01.723-08:00Pittsburgh Marathon 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielH9uxBx1ekpcabqAfgXYQIg5qHYdwz9n7B-Ey2GsFgNAHJSGugFbrs0Px1S6TNO8YClQ2ILZDe9dt6V_Zjj4bbMJUt1HO-xrG4ynCcUatRK0pNqbfiBcrztjj2LOjQcM63lnMJkJ9no4/s1600/PittsburghMarathon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielH9uxBx1ekpcabqAfgXYQIg5qHYdwz9n7B-Ey2GsFgNAHJSGugFbrs0Px1S6TNO8YClQ2ILZDe9dt6V_Zjj4bbMJUt1HO-xrG4ynCcUatRK0pNqbfiBcrztjj2LOjQcM63lnMJkJ9no4/s640/PittsburghMarathon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We need your help!!!<br />
<br />
On the 6th of May 2012 Kate and I will be participating in the <a href="http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com/">Pittsburgh Marathon</a> Relay during our holiday to the USA.<br />
<br />
We
are running to raise funds for a new holding/quarantine camp for our
cheetahs here at the NCCC being kept in our large 500ha soft-release
enclosure. This new complex will help us look after any cheetah that
becomes sick or injured and will provide more options when dealing with
cheetahs suitable for release, especially females with cubs who would
need to be isolated from the big male Spartacus. <br />
<br />
Please
support us and give what you can and share this link with all of your
friends. It will be greatly appreciated and truly help the NCCC’s
efforts to conserve wild carnivores.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TNE7P9ZSK8P3N">Click here to donate</a> - It will only take two minutes! :)<br />
<br />
Many thanks! Matt and Kat NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-22098162546562156562012-03-17T00:39:00.000-07:002013-01-17T00:39:58.372-08:00Volunteer Reports<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB84cUWo6D1KeNPqqDJfbLuHaD4S-eLtPVvR50ihmfXVOyYWKi_0hD0QZ8zk033_MSxM9NUhzLc2tHuSVGybzw1kLWj1fOPBN3pM0kiptWpmWCc1hghgUZbARyo2_cxAIC8uJCJNoeqaOm/s1600/DSC03523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB84cUWo6D1KeNPqqDJfbLuHaD4S-eLtPVvR50ihmfXVOyYWKi_0hD0QZ8zk033_MSxM9NUhzLc2tHuSVGybzw1kLWj1fOPBN3pM0kiptWpmWCc1hghgUZbARyo2_cxAIC8uJCJNoeqaOm/s640/DSC03523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<u><b>Jana Fode</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
first thing I heard about Solitaire was that the landscape is so
beautiful, and that is absolutely true as it looks just how you would
picture Africa to be. I wanted to see and experience as much as I could
during my stay in Namibia so I decided to volunteer at the NCCC. It was a
good decision!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
would be joined by two other volunteers Jess and Paul. Shortly after we
arrived we were taken by Matt and Kate to track the cheetahs in the
500ha soft release camp. Before entering I felt very relaxed because I
had met several cheetahs before at N/a'an ku se's Wildlife Sanctuary.
But the moment we met Spartacus he gave me a very different experience!
For the first time I saw a cat that could live and act just like a wild
one. However, Spartacus was not my favourite cheetah, Pepper is the cat I
fell in love with. Her glance is very intense even though she was hand
raised from a young age. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But
back to the research work which includes hiking to the camera traps
which are spread over the area, I like this part a lot and I was happy I
got the exercise because Matt and Kate are fast walkers and climbers,
they will make you fit! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After
returning and having cooled of your feet in the pool you then get the
chance to have a look through the pictures and if you are lucky you may
find leopards, cheetah or hyena, but you will definitely see a lot of
springbok, oryx and zebra. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One
of the most enjoyable parts of the trip were the sundowners, whether
you see them with the tour guests in the cheetah camp or up on sunset
hill close to the Guest Farm, they are amazing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCij6jBv_R3zT_MPBhYnnVlUK3VpYdS-hmQQ-niwt3uJuUHldM4waOxFgcEiWrS31lYKCjWD__5VrItM3FLw0xGGV1tZOc9myNtabL7LYAFAQrfwPR1iiqxXZzc5DyCNJT0nILF7xM-yF/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCij6jBv_R3zT_MPBhYnnVlUK3VpYdS-hmQQ-niwt3uJuUHldM4waOxFgcEiWrS31lYKCjWD__5VrItM3FLw0xGGV1tZOc9myNtabL7LYAFAQrfwPR1iiqxXZzc5DyCNJT0nILF7xM-yF/s640/IMG_0406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
also really enjoyed the trip to the dunes at Soussusvlei, you shouldn't
miss the chance to go there!! All in all I enjoyed the trip and would
recommend it to anyone who loves nature, animals and research work. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Paul Jennings</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
came here to the NCCC as I wanted to experience cheetahs in their
natural habitat and see for myself what is being done to protect them. I
have done various activities including cheetah tracking, cheetah
husbandry, game drives and camp maintenance. My favourite activity was
feeding the cheetahs because they are at their most active and you can
see their natural instincts and strength. Spartacus is the most active
cheetah in the enclosure and the adrenaline starts running if he mock
charges you!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iHxzKkgHmkT2gQKEHZ-uVuhzvshFVHHoJEoLvr54WBZioAsdd48SwQXNeDWLU_5lSngOSXTAFbCOSniAA5BGexp-T7qqMVKRkrNBo3nbPZeYHi8kAOl8grBETGdGMbeLWcSHfR9g7zsp/s1600/DSC03516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iHxzKkgHmkT2gQKEHZ-uVuhzvshFVHHoJEoLvr54WBZioAsdd48SwQXNeDWLU_5lSngOSXTAFbCOSniAA5BGexp-T7qqMVKRkrNBo3nbPZeYHi8kAOl8grBETGdGMbeLWcSHfR9g7zsp/s640/DSC03516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Guest Farm and surrounding landscape is amazing and its such a relaxing
place to be. On a quiet day its nice to hike through the mountains and
take in the beautiful views. I would recommend the experience to anyone
interested in Wildlife Conservation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><b>Jess Labow</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before
my arrival at the NCCC I had no idea what to expect. I asked around at
N/a'an ku se and was told by other volunteers who had been there that
the scenery was beautiful, the atmosphere relaxing and the co-ordinators
lovely. My expectations were high after hearing all of this info,
however I was not let down.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
first few days were exciting; learning about tracking cheetahs, having
hungry cheetahs circling you waiting for food, and learning their
history and where they came from. Just with any other conservation
project there are always the non-exciting tasks to be done, but Matt and
Kate always make sure there is some cheetah tracking/husbandry mixed
with some relaxation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My
favourite cheetah would have to be Spartacus. Although he hisses and
spits he is usually just protecting his girlfriend Pepper. Although the
days can be extremely hot and the nights very cool, it has to be one of
the most calming and beautiful landscapes I have and will ever see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1cIF1FZSPHXNCxKq5Ppsl8ef1UBZl_SU6AHfDcDTt6aV5kKwzS0KqP5ncqjNVDG6pdZEkkAxsmK6od7nk2VcAmMxentnjrMfAOWBglCvkrRqkPBy_I9ayCVVZYu7hfWPuXpYTgzrUW3T/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1cIF1FZSPHXNCxKq5Ppsl8ef1UBZl_SU6AHfDcDTt6aV5kKwzS0KqP5ncqjNVDG6pdZEkkAxsmK6od7nk2VcAmMxentnjrMfAOWBglCvkrRqkPBy_I9ayCVVZYu7hfWPuXpYTgzrUW3T/s640/IMG_0411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-39593254501945240452012-03-11T00:36:00.000-08:002013-01-17T00:36:33.261-08:00New Arrivals: Laura and Cubs<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wl7uPlOXcxLOL3p2W5_TKB2bti-U1jSmjpVOR7VombHroFQKYIuI_GfVxQFvKtHHGGukVF-PhZALDd58Z44bpNAAqBK010ZGJs_fWCVAnUA9-J80_uvj7yRU8CofK2Q5j5DU4cZM6_O7/s1600/IMG_1681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wl7uPlOXcxLOL3p2W5_TKB2bti-U1jSmjpVOR7VombHroFQKYIuI_GfVxQFvKtHHGGukVF-PhZALDd58Z44bpNAAqBK010ZGJs_fWCVAnUA9-J80_uvj7yRU8CofK2Q5j5DU4cZM6_O7/s640/IMG_1681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The NCCC have welcomed three more cheetahs into the soft release
holding camp to begin their environmental adjustment period in view for
possible release at a later stage. </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The three cats in question are an eight-year-old female named ‘Laura’
and her two 24-month-old female cubs ‘Sandy’ and ‘Rusty’. Laura was trapped on
a hunting farm in the Otjiwarongo area over two years ago along with her young
cubs. N/a’an ku se were called and the cheetah family was taken to N/a’an
ku se’s Wildlife Sanctuary.</span></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The start of the NCCC last June has now presented us with the chance
to possibly release this family back to the wild or at the very least provided
them with extremely large new home. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCwyJMWE_l0oOXJZZjDPjG3MuvX-ssF6jc_8nt_PYXLMXRLVoCRoxuFbLFLyhxToQjEnkVjkel5SciqbNhKHA6z5bsfLyi71-v-n24MfH4_sFFFXKrOoZXoMOfEiE3o3r-Ajj5LXk4Ut1/s1600/DSC06152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCwyJMWE_l0oOXJZZjDPjG3MuvX-ssF6jc_8nt_PYXLMXRLVoCRoxuFbLFLyhxToQjEnkVjkel5SciqbNhKHA6z5bsfLyi71-v-n24MfH4_sFFFXKrOoZXoMOfEiE3o3r-Ajj5LXk4Ut1/s640/DSC06152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Upon their arrival Laura and her cubs were taken straight to the
500ha soft release camp where we document their daily movements via tracking
collars. In this case it was important that each individual was fitted with a
collar as it can be expected that the cubs will soon split from their mother.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">For
the first night, the cats were left in our small holding pen to
adjust to their new environment. By the next morning the cats were ready
for their first meal, a large tasty zebra leg. This ensured they had
some energy to begin
exploring their new home. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GpCCV0SWZaC29UZtLzFzJFR8VcxGF0G3euSpFR54usknVkQYHDhqrqrt6xI0FL2CBHzH-zpfR-UzMvB3mU8qdcF_1Aey4WKEnFkaZ_EbnRjOeGlTUHPrljgzQDee_Fu0vYz-Cjus_SII/s1600/DSC06576.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GpCCV0SWZaC29UZtLzFzJFR8VcxGF0G3euSpFR54usknVkQYHDhqrqrt6xI0FL2CBHzH-zpfR-UzMvB3mU8qdcF_1Aey4WKEnFkaZ_EbnRjOeGlTUHPrljgzQDee_Fu0vYz-Cjus_SII/s640/DSC06576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Since that day the family has continued to stay together and they
have been found in all sections of the pen. Also, Laura has already made her
first kill, a jackal. </span></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">However, a year and a half in captivity have left their marks and
they often approach the tracking vehicle in anticipation of food. We will
continue to observe the family and see if his type of behaviour can be reduced,
as a high level of habituation can be very problematic for their suitability
for release. We will of course keep you updated on our new family’s progress.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPV6uj0wUthGpjtITxRAVYGcHSrx1-kW98c-lwGJ0InAJDLXRteRNJQTzeqRVf_9iiv97b6Lz5vYqmPklVFGOX2Cszf7wiiqrjDO2uzcKfZPg8FJ07ZTjdFbHO4hh3hME8sRkoAZ_j-nn/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPV6uj0wUthGpjtITxRAVYGcHSrx1-kW98c-lwGJ0InAJDLXRteRNJQTzeqRVf_9iiv97b6Lz5vYqmPklVFGOX2Cszf7wiiqrjDO2uzcKfZPg8FJ07ZTjdFbHO4hh3hME8sRkoAZ_j-nn/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-26363770634962431442012-02-28T00:31:00.000-08:002013-01-17T00:32:19.955-08:00Volunteer Report: Mirjam Frey<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Everyday at the NCCC is a new great adventure. After the
exciting start with finding Pepper, the newly arrived ‘lost’ five year old cat,
in the 500 hectare pen, it continued with translating to German speaking guests
on the cheetah drive, checking camera traps and a trip to the dunes in
Sossusvlei. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We hoped that Spartacus, our only male cheetah, would bond
with beautiful Pepper, because for both of them the pen will be their constant
home. They are seen together from time to time. After the stressful first week
she seems to like her new home. She behaves like the perfect ambassador cheetah
for tourists. She is posing, hissing, spiting and at the same time just a
relaxed beautiful self-confident cat, which can be approached easily with a
group of guests. It is so amazing to see how different the cheetahs behave
every day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKRpBZGm4nCfYNXWsT07sl3qrheuzVe1MQ5LHCgQVAuMcP9iu8Mz8MIAYEGThDykHJ-KFS44xf9m4hblnGR_ox28KG-dB6iasWFhl38_aqGqsLixnkqcc3mRAE5o0_35OrXUDeBFy4vA1/s1600/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKRpBZGm4nCfYNXWsT07sl3qrheuzVe1MQ5LHCgQVAuMcP9iu8Mz8MIAYEGThDykHJ-KFS44xf9m4hblnGR_ox28KG-dB6iasWFhl38_aqGqsLixnkqcc3mRAE5o0_35OrXUDeBFy4vA1/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
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Guests can see the cheetahs while attending either the one- or
two-our drive in the morning or afternoon. Some of them don’t even realise what
they will experience before they approach for their first time the cheetahs.
But then, every hesitation is gone and they are just amazed by how close they
can get to the cats. As there are quite a lot of German speaking guests I
translate the information about the partnership between N/a'an ku se and the
Solitaire Guest Farm, the pen and its purpose and about the cheetahs, and why they are here and what will happen to them. I like
these tours. They are a great way to show people this beautiful slender
carnivore. And while the guests learn a lot about the cats so do I while
translating to them. To see the response of the guests after the drive is the
best reward. They always chatting happily away about what they have just experienced with
each other on the way back. Even people who seemed a bit unhappy before the
drive have a bright smile all over their faces after getting that close to a
cheetah.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqORX7MI8Pn1KJz5dugg0IF4LfPqUDeDo0fCp5CAnj8H1czVWAUYBJowDZyT1-rttsUOet43QlIMz-EHX0cE1quyWIZTq5elySsOeYyc3JaKB1rDk7zXW2ev0DIwq2t2yJd-QgW1y_NY0/s1600/Namibia-67.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqORX7MI8Pn1KJz5dugg0IF4LfPqUDeDo0fCp5CAnj8H1czVWAUYBJowDZyT1-rttsUOet43QlIMz-EHX0cE1quyWIZTq5elySsOeYyc3JaKB1rDk7zXW2ev0DIwq2t2yJd-QgW1y_NY0/s640/Namibia-67.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Apart from making sure the cats are fine each day and feeding
them once a week we check on the camera traps. They are all placed in different
spots in riverbeds and little valleys. After a short drive always follows a
hike. Some of them are shorter, some longer. But the length is not the actual
challenge. Much more challenging is the sun. Even a short walk can feel like
miles just because it can heat up that much during the day. But after you will
be rewarded by skipping through the pictures, which is always quite exciting.
Is there a hyena or even a leopard between all the pictures of zebras and
kudus? Sometimes you also get funny pictures of the small animals like the cute
little rock dassies, which are hanging out in front of the camera. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTThXbgURxFJl-P5bHnNMnaO1aOF05lqUtdU-5jJa-Y8XRC9s-wEVEmL81WqnIrvlQWJNnS1EireIMd8N8UofcAWzNqb7OMb8oqTLZI8Q4yDvsIAl7Qmti_9qpXRIaHFBNZYndwrIHKSEl/s1600/PICT0027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTThXbgURxFJl-P5bHnNMnaO1aOF05lqUtdU-5jJa-Y8XRC9s-wEVEmL81WqnIrvlQWJNnS1EireIMd8N8UofcAWzNqb7OMb8oqTLZI8Q4yDvsIAl7Qmti_9qpXRIaHFBNZYndwrIHKSEl/s640/PICT0027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Because the dunes of Sossusvlei are just ‘around’ the corner
of Solitaire I also got the possibility to see them. One morning my fellow
volunteer Mellissa and Matt got up at five o’clock in the morning to make our
two hours drive down to the dunes. First we climbed barefoot Dune 45. It was
just amazing. Such a great view all over from the top of it. But the best came
on the way back: We didn’t take the ‘official’ way; instead we jumped down on one
side of the dune. It was just great fun. After the ‘jump session’ we walked
over to Deadvlei: A dry salt lake with a lot of dead trees and another stunning
view. Our last stop was dune Big Mama – and she was big, but worse to climb it.
After another ‘jumping session’ we had to run back to the car, because in the
meantime the sand had heated up by the sun and we almost burnt off our feet!
It was a great morning in a stunning countryside – many thanks to our great ‘tour guide’
Matt! <br />
<br />
Mirjam Frey.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzDXF2rNOXIbsVS8wmuVgKy-zFjZxp0AjNgt2QF_Trvp7I8JmwRzwlDAfoJJ3yO7ZRn0Sa8RTTRzxMcbIyAJ9bj_YkV9Lg1gf8BT64hAOBlifWYm2gyXLXsPNg9JsBZHVBttPvwtPcsAk/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzDXF2rNOXIbsVS8wmuVgKy-zFjZxp0AjNgt2QF_Trvp7I8JmwRzwlDAfoJJ3yO7ZRn0Sa8RTTRzxMcbIyAJ9bj_YkV9Lg1gf8BT64hAOBlifWYm2gyXLXsPNg9JsBZHVBttPvwtPcsAk/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-78715836651926877502012-01-06T00:22:00.000-08:002013-01-17T00:23:07.229-08:00Children in the Wilderness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy65bGuszX5kAWqFQXzLgyhlYKpwRQs0cY8MiAOh92K5B2XB_W8od7z8axblWoy66bMfNhyphenhyphengM2GgUbcAg3MRbO6bE8u10EdWe_DuGAkezggpEXWKT1UNHXWwWTQNt6jxRj15XLDBgabwo8/s1600/DSC06001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="561" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy65bGuszX5kAWqFQXzLgyhlYKpwRQs0cY8MiAOh92K5B2XB_W8od7z8axblWoy66bMfNhyphenhyphengM2GgUbcAg3MRbO6bE8u10EdWe_DuGAkezggpEXWKT1UNHXWwWTQNt6jxRj15XLDBgabwo8/s640/DSC06001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.childreninthewilderness.com/">The Children in the Wilderness</a>
is an environmental and life skills educational programme that focuses
on the next generation of rural decision makers. Children in the
Wilderness hosts rural children from all over Southern Africa that live
alongside Parks and Reserves and teaches them the importance of
conservation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As part of this programme Namibian children are invited to the <a href="http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/namibia_sossusvlei/kulala_wilderness_camp/introduction/">Kuala Wilderness Camp </a>(which
is just down the road from the NCCC) for an educational camping
experience. Kate went to Kuala to give a presentation to one group of
children and demonstrated how radio telemetry works by asking the
children to find hidden radio collars. The children really enjoyed the
experience but for the next time we thought it would be a much more
exciting experience for them if when they find the collars there was a
cheetah attached to it! So the next group made the short journey here to
the NCCC.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It
was quite a sight seeing 6 mini-buses arriving at the Guest Farm with
around 50 children and supervisors piling out. But I have to say the
Children in the Wilderness supervisors did a fantastic job of sorting
the children into their groups and they were extremely well behaved.
After a quick introduction we immediately loaded the children onto the
cars and took them to track the cheetahs. Upon entering the camp Kate
and I took a group each with Kate heading off in the direction of Annie
and Betty and my group in search of Pepper.</div>
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The
children were very keen and a couple knew a lot of the questions I
asked them about cheetahs. Each had a turn using the radio-telemetry
equipment, and when we found Pepper sitting beautifully in the grass you
could see the excitement in their faces. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD4mYiCuZgHJb2cyBob0fTck0GpRl0Nm1Wz7EQcYvQ9ryyu2aDgBSd3PUqNNcJHnhEVX1JX8wCw-UGLq7a3uiN3-XpZ8FF4_y6acjum80_rLLhDtA-2rbClmmarL9QqEb-3qXEaMa-N6W/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivD4mYiCuZgHJb2cyBob0fTck0GpRl0Nm1Wz7EQcYvQ9ryyu2aDgBSd3PUqNNcJHnhEVX1JX8wCw-UGLq7a3uiN3-XpZ8FF4_y6acjum80_rLLhDtA-2rbClmmarL9QqEb-3qXEaMa-N6W/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On
the way to find Annie and Betty we stopped on a road and I showed the
group good examples of cheetah spoor and demonstrated how you can tell
the difference between a left and right, front and back and how we can
use that information to ID individuals and estimate their numbers. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R8IlG4V1yz4N4mp2A7THkXDMqhGSexfd6KsReXOWfw5IvpXtOPyPvg3HwiPtRofQfYCXS4BJurqwCjZd4khF1HioUNAhO0Nits23uxXvhD64wZ5NbNEJD1Wew1UrJISedJJ6wCfJcd0X/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R8IlG4V1yz4N4mp2A7THkXDMqhGSexfd6KsReXOWfw5IvpXtOPyPvg3HwiPtRofQfYCXS4BJurqwCjZd4khF1HioUNAhO0Nits23uxXvhD64wZ5NbNEJD1Wew1UrJISedJJ6wCfJcd0X/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a><br />
When
we approached the area Annie and Betty were in we could see Kate’s
group were still in the area, when we passed them we learned that
Spartacus was also in the area. Kate didn’t tell us exactly where the
cats were so it was up to the children to lead the way. First we found
Annie and Betty who seemed a little confused by the appearance of yet
more brightly colored little people.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkeK8qO4jOxIobt5k8kJdgngcXTrOUDGYYu5llCXT-kAZ7h0FRE6keAB0Ld4IwaT8r-5i8OXnOLpFb_jORlxZJhcazkctzTxAHx1Zv7a9TAh1gAfEaQFsB8PvAU_TZNcXAlh7J1F4tKqA/s1600/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkeK8qO4jOxIobt5k8kJdgngcXTrOUDGYYu5llCXT-kAZ7h0FRE6keAB0Ld4IwaT8r-5i8OXnOLpFb_jORlxZJhcazkctzTxAHx1Zv7a9TAh1gAfEaQFsB8PvAU_TZNcXAlh7J1F4tKqA/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXEXZWmKo_QgaWfdof9RdSB-E0MdElLR9zOxvlkIl-CCrs4PrTYf-IDuR3DrilTO-dbnc5HJ_6v-ubQhQy6IKliDaNDvPi-DJZgRbcNWWaemeYyamnZ3tcOcwSKa_A51K0q8V9lZw_sLQ/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXEXZWmKo_QgaWfdof9RdSB-E0MdElLR9zOxvlkIl-CCrs4PrTYf-IDuR3DrilTO-dbnc5HJ_6v-ubQhQy6IKliDaNDvPi-DJZgRbcNWWaemeYyamnZ3tcOcwSKa_A51K0q8V9lZw_sLQ/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a>Spartacus’
signal was very close and as we walked of in his direction the children
had an experience they will probably never forget as Spartacus jumped
out of his bush and gave his very impressively display of intimidation
with hisses and spits. Despite explaining to the group at the start that
this was to be expected and we had nothing to fear, the sight of a mean
looking 60kg Spartacus still gave them a bit of a shock! Spartacus as
he always does then just sat back down and fell a sleep. He’s just a big
softie really :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqJgv9r0CokyijOt7WWlHNWUD1-MQKwYs55mt24VPn7D6ptRSvS1v9X2180wGR2htteXdWfcityZBF5OuwAiR7gIxWjrvDfVRN7EAjJbCuAaUs2vGOuZIXj_UgaHU9YljPv0tpjTRFXbT/s1600/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqJgv9r0CokyijOt7WWlHNWUD1-MQKwYs55mt24VPn7D6ptRSvS1v9X2180wGR2htteXdWfcityZBF5OuwAiR7gIxWjrvDfVRN7EAjJbCuAaUs2vGOuZIXj_UgaHU9YljPv0tpjTRFXbT/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYxU2B8C2fASUQ7dlww3NMMrqBJM4k1ct_-rpfzs1Y1SJKK-Mn4dn-h2p4Bhg-BumAZf3DidJWqbY_foFf8KJB3P-1RxwTGamlYnzfIzeWD19pB_ojTzyoZ0N6ba_QpvTRNkBJDIdAevB/s1600/DSC06009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYxU2B8C2fASUQ7dlww3NMMrqBJM4k1ct_-rpfzs1Y1SJKK-Mn4dn-h2p4Bhg-BumAZf3DidJWqbY_foFf8KJB3P-1RxwTGamlYnzfIzeWD19pB_ojTzyoZ0N6ba_QpvTRNkBJDIdAevB/s400/DSC06009.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Upon
returning to the Guest Farm the children had lunch and Kate then did a
quick presentation about the NCCC and the research we are doing. At the
end Kate and I were treated to a thank you ‘chant’ from the children and
they were soon on their way back to Kuala. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It
was a hugely enjoyable morning and the children really seemed to have
enjoyed themselves, we hope they learned a little as well. We very much
look forward to welcoming more Children in the Wilderness in the future
:)<br />
<br />
Photos by Mirjam Frey </div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-34294318011682154722011-12-11T23:55:00.000-08:002013-01-16T23:56:42.121-08:00A New Arrival: Pepper<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqm4-BrCdmb2SbLeML3uBUZUNUq7hKlsXyn7sZzWV6P63JeWscT0q2DjDDpk6u2w0aOfekedaq9qdJ6gBPpnfixeqOQe3c2z4Cm5OU0bIFjF9UvFC8Yies2z9c2xvBOnzBoq30L50ewP/s1600/ff3_bagatelle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYj9UG3iOKF5xYtLcky9-PTBFy0gcqU016MoW3iGB7D3ECx_sZdECtbZTXNRQXoi5bPsOUhGPsHYCSNW1ffW4ngYVJfqY33385ezuz-9aukPXt1iFgJqeseET8z-J4jy7uk4ju6L3SKeH/s640/DSC_0441%252Cm%252C.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A few months ago Kate and I had the pleasure of meeting Fred and Onie Jacobs, owners of <a href="http://www.bagatelle-kalahari-gameranch.com/">Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch</a>
and we got talking about the NCCC and our cheetahs. During this
conversation Fred and Onie told us about an orphaned female cheetah they
had adopted 5 years ago called Pepper. Despite being raised by Fred and
Onie since 5 months of age, Pepper has always retained a feisty, wild
nature and always showed a desire to explore outside her enclosure.
Because of this upon hearing of our 500ha camp here at the NCCC Fred and
Onie started to consider the prospect of donating Pepper to us in order
for her to experience a more wild life. The decision to part with a
much loved animal must have been very difficult for Fred an Onie but as a
testament to their desire to provide Pepper with the best possible life
they agreed to move Pepper to the NCCC. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7B6y_4IkoHqk7_OofH9WQ7x9oVGSU7zzdc4fGK37PctMNP_65aK19mgw4EzmKho3gjpU1PoAKpJBNGyps07E5p0Cbe6ZOheJ_3j2luSDjOlMlFfiTWVHEN66r7E1p8sdL_bo5RGR3Dlxy/s1600/Now1+113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7B6y_4IkoHqk7_OofH9WQ7x9oVGSU7zzdc4fGK37PctMNP_65aK19mgw4EzmKho3gjpU1PoAKpJBNGyps07E5p0Cbe6ZOheJ_3j2luSDjOlMlFfiTWVHEN66r7E1p8sdL_bo5RGR3Dlxy/s320/Now1+113.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6J4vFNW4y5Tzxv7Tdq4ZpvjgfVSSLWIbHWkFHV2e04-zLyi3CzDUw3FHanXXKHoy-pQ7vt5vuYKPj8O8knPQS9p_YzTKJytJGW01jey1ti0aXNq4Ak8JVu5V1M7JqlqsmclM8P8rnP_R/s1600/Now1+110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6J4vFNW4y5Tzxv7Tdq4ZpvjgfVSSLWIbHWkFHV2e04-zLyi3CzDUw3FHanXXKHoy-pQ7vt5vuYKPj8O8knPQS9p_YzTKJytJGW01jey1ti0aXNq4Ak8JVu5V1M7JqlqsmclM8P8rnP_R/s320/Now1+110.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
So
on the 23rd of November I along with our student intern Laura and
volunteer Isabella Seeman went to Bagatelle to assist getting Pepper
into a cage for transport. It has to be said being able to stay
overnight at places like Bagatelle on business is definitely a perk of
the job! Bagatelle is a beautiful place, in a stunning location, with
great food and wonderful staff, I highly recommend it if you are ever in
the area :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqm4-BrCdmb2SbLeML3uBUZUNUq7hKlsXyn7sZzWV6P63JeWscT0q2DjDDpk6u2w0aOfekedaq9qdJ6gBPpnfixeqOQe3c2z4Cm5OU0bIFjF9UvFC8Yies2z9c2xvBOnzBoq30L50ewP/s1600/ff3_bagatelle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqm4-BrCdmb2SbLeML3uBUZUNUq7hKlsXyn7sZzWV6P63JeWscT0q2DjDDpk6u2w0aOfekedaq9qdJ6gBPpnfixeqOQe3c2z4Cm5OU0bIFjF9UvFC8Yies2z9c2xvBOnzBoq30L50ewP/s400/ff3_bagatelle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ehFXqLmAS7tchqYXe0xIpU0o2YaT1uqtZVSElB2vKdsb3peCSwFsyBxBylS-0jcjeMurYjREbuSA_SB5sdNMaz847Vnv2Kd4SCFR8DSddHdn-y7EpkTocjt2n53ymUElfGGIFMVxjwC/s1600/Bagatelle+Kalahari+Game+Ranch+Sundowner.png_Thumbnail1-tabs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5ehFXqLmAS7tchqYXe0xIpU0o2YaT1uqtZVSElB2vKdsb3peCSwFsyBxBylS-0jcjeMurYjREbuSA_SB5sdNMaz847Vnv2Kd4SCFR8DSddHdn-y7EpkTocjt2n53ymUElfGGIFMVxjwC/s200/Bagatelle+Kalahari+Game+Ranch+Sundowner.png_Thumbnail1-tabs.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZUA_LEbHM6golVDfWRFfzNHdIg4vJ7DOv9eXKr4Thp9I0c5w0TdKteMYeMCDJgHiYDL7dvqwoMnAsx2IKt2DZ8JgPb5l6AX_HW-xkEIexFXE1BYTgiZtlr1DfR2AgwV0_5SkvMOjGyCh/s1600/15-img3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZUA_LEbHM6golVDfWRFfzNHdIg4vJ7DOv9eXKr4Thp9I0c5w0TdKteMYeMCDJgHiYDL7dvqwoMnAsx2IKt2DZ8JgPb5l6AX_HW-xkEIexFXE1BYTgiZtlr1DfR2AgwV0_5SkvMOjGyCh/s200/15-img3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
After
enjoying some fantastic hospitality upon arrival including sweet ice
tea and a selection of delicious cakes we were taken by Onie to meet
Pepper. Upon hearing the sound of her gate being jangled the sound of
thundering feet could be heard and suddenly a beautiful big female was
in front of us performing a very impressive display of dominance with
her shoulders hunched, head bowed with an impressive scowl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkO-vyEQYAJ8DxUut2z3_1ge19SnVNTiBCLxURD7VidiM0dyyCYah0zWkPm1HBJQyJxA9j-9Z-RzbBO2d6gogjFY9UzYBjxbiSBokxnyweXY9WKzBWP4i9hsBIZkV6vw4FOiO_CPTVMih/s1600/DSC_0119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkO-vyEQYAJ8DxUut2z3_1ge19SnVNTiBCLxURD7VidiM0dyyCYah0zWkPm1HBJQyJxA9j-9Z-RzbBO2d6gogjFY9UzYBjxbiSBokxnyweXY9WKzBWP4i9hsBIZkV6vw4FOiO_CPTVMih/s400/DSC_0119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pepper
was fairly easy to coax into the transport cage with the lure of meat
and the following morning we loaded Pepper onto a bakkie and along with
Fred and Onie made the trip back to Solitaire. Our directors Rudie and
Marlice also traveled down and as the sun was setting Pepper had been
darted and fitted with a radio-collar. She woke up rather confused,
staggered to her feet and slowly moved off into the pen.<br />
<br />
The
next morning however, we had a problem, Pepper’s radio-collar had
inexplicably stopped working and we had no idea where she was. Myself,
Kate and our intern Laura then spent the following week desperately
trying to find Pepper and get food to her. We placed a trap cage in
numerous different positions depending on where we saw Pepper’s tracks,
meat was placed in strategic places and we drove all over the 500ha pen
calling for her, but to no avail. Here I will hand over to our new
volunteer Mirjam Frey who arrived at the NCCC the day we took extra
measures to find Pepper......</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #073763; text-align: justify;">
<i>My
first day I came here to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre about a
3 ½ hours drive from Windhoek: everybody is out in the Cheetah Pen.
Pepper, the 5 year old Cheetah female can’t be found. Where is Pepper?
To find her, Flo (the head of research at Naan ku se with whom I came
down), brought the San Bushman Kiewit with him to find the hiding
Cheetah. Off we go: In the area, where Matt and Kate thought Pepper
might be, Flo and Kiewit started to track the Cat. In the meantime,
Matt, Laura and I went through all the bushes on the other side of the
Pen, where Pepper could be hiding. Unfortunately I wore shorts – why not
at this bright, sunny and hot day – but actually it wasn’t that good
idea, because grass in Namibia is not as soft as back home in
Switzerland. It scratched my legs and after a bit it started to hurt.
But no matter, we had to find Pepper, because we didn’t know for certain
if she had eaten and drunk at all. It felt like looking for a needle in
a haystack, especially as cheetahs are very good at hiding.</i><i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #073763; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #073763; text-align: justify;">
<i>But
after it felt like hours Flo called us to come to their side. Kiewit
has found tracks of Pepper and was pretty sure, Pepper must be somewhere
in the area. We are all excited. Are we going to find Pepper soon? Flo,
Kiewit, Matt, Laura and I walk in a line through the bushes where
Pepper might be. Is she hiding in the grass? Or does she lie under a
bush? She is nowhere to be seen. Where is she? She must be somewhere
here. Kiewit is always right about is findings. And then, Flo sees her
sitting under a big pretty nice tree with a lot of shade. At first
sight she looks not to good, but as Flo gets closer he can see that she
is just exhausted. We are so happy that we finally found her and that
she is in good condition.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopSv69l0qUj0fmuwSAZPjvFXDh4Z_y2PtuH5N6F4Qmy1lpkYQcJKvMW0jZenEmAJifFVnAnKmr4TvuNtyGEn3toRaJ4ZFM_FMcQAVSqqLp0aH7GbnfTiHsv02sFGS_P1hfibj9xQmkKY0/s1600/DSC05566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQprpIRMK5b7eJxs0_6nXHhAEXMqPVdL0_8XsTMyiQf_pT2k9pYQVlx8kJLfzrHJKOJGnwzhfrfnnKxGpaqI6rA7GHQZvgIUVQVf_dzjgygNPtne4GozNHKAgKg-78xOJscDiavhqzCEZ/s400/DSC05569.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;">
<i>Flo,
Kiewit and I keep an eye on her while Matt and Laura get some wire, to
fence her into the bush for a couple of days. We do that so we can dart
her and exchange the collar. But in the first place also to keep an eye
on her for several days, feed her, get her enough water and make sure
she is fine before we release her back into the 500ha Cheetah Pen. While
we put up the fence she is quite relaxed but at the same time observing
what we are doing. That shows she is still pretty fit. As soon we have
finished her temporary home, we can all get closer for a better look.
And oh, she is such a pretty girl: Angular face with big black eyes and a
tall slender body. She is such a beauty. She must have been really
thirsty, because she drank almost three litres of water in a quite a
short time. Finally she also eats some meat. Flo, Matt and Kate decide
to dart her that same evening, to make sure we don’t ‘lose’ her again.
Flo easily darts Pepper and as soon as she falls asleep, Flo exchanges
the collar as quickly as possible. Mission completed. Wow, what a great
and exciting first day at the NCCC!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="color: #073763;">After
the safe ‘return’ of Pepper, we check the next few days regularly on
her, fill up her water and feed her with her favourite food Springbok.
She seems to be quite relaxed in her temporary enclosure and looks
really good. After 3 days Matt and Kate think Pepper is ready to be
released back into her new home. Before we release her Matt checks the
response of the new Radio-Collar one more time just to make absolutely
sure it works! Kate cuts down the wire. First it seems that Pepper
doesn’t want to come out of her temporary camp. She is walking up and
down until eventually she walks out of the enclosure. She is literally
just walking out of it. No running, no spitting, no hissing, nothing.
She just walks along the fence line as if nothing had happened at all.
She is really an awesome big and beautiful cat. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdufWVbDZkcANhgLUlvP2n6hGRxGt-fghLkRnD2tPvH133wZHN4RvGxh5m9G5pXKPCeu4aZ-dIcFX2mhUgrFZDWAFrdb6Y1IHHDMIseoxAlKsTuYc2yILcKhiqqSXfqGAcWzeVR8wTuGV/s1600/DSC05758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdufWVbDZkcANhgLUlvP2n6hGRxGt-fghLkRnD2tPvH133wZHN4RvGxh5m9G5pXKPCeu4aZ-dIcFX2mhUgrFZDWAFrdb6Y1IHHDMIseoxAlKsTuYc2yILcKhiqqSXfqGAcWzeVR8wTuGV/s400/DSC05758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #073763; text-align: justify;">
<i>Next
morning, Matt, Kate and I are checking on her. Thanks to the new
Radio-Collar we find her after a bit not far from where we’ve released
her the previous evening. But their was a surprise, she is not alone. In
front of her, sitting under a bush is Spartacus, the 10-year-old male
Cheetah. Suddenly he jumps out, spiting and hissing at us, as if to let
us know that she is his girl and he’s going to protect her. They are so
cute. Will they stay together? We don’t know yet. But it would be so
great if they could be friends, especially because both of them can’t be
released into the wild and will stay in the pen. Funnily, Kate and Matt
hoped this bond would happen while they where looking for Pepper.
Therefore they tracked Spartacus and hoped to find Pepper with him. But
of course, while her old collar wasn’t working, they didn’t get together
– maybe her old collar was not fashionable enough to Spartacus :)</i><br />
<br />
<i>Mirjam Frey</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktQz7WWD5sbTGBRvAiicH7uwy451z2_ZaTUdet097mSefEGAKwA7-hj40hCZumxen265xIgOf4NpvXHzHW75h_-d4S6QQ9ZN5N9A74dormqkvpZ5rvVGmFeKD6E1OkTlifSTUkV-pvcga/s1600/DSC05763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktQz7WWD5sbTGBRvAiicH7uwy451z2_ZaTUdet097mSefEGAKwA7-hj40hCZumxen265xIgOf4NpvXHzHW75h_-d4S6QQ9ZN5N9A74dormqkvpZ5rvVGmFeKD6E1OkTlifSTUkV-pvcga/s640/DSC05763.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thankfully,
since her re-release into the camp things have gone extremely well,
Pepper and Spartacus have continued to be found together and she is
quickly becoming used to us approaching her and accepting food from us.
Most importantly her collar not only looks much better than the old one
but also works perfectly! </div>
NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-87991748768663907102011-12-07T23:38:00.000-08:002013-01-18T01:38:53.196-08:00Boris Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its been just over a month since we <a href="http://namibccc.blogspot.com/2011/09/boris-first-release.html">released 4 year old male Boris back to the wild </a>and we are pleased to say that he is doing extremely well. His <a href="http://www.sirtrack.com/">Sirtrack</a>
collar has sent a GPS point every morning around 6:00am and these
points are shown in the picture below. His movements since the release
show that for now he prefers an area at the base of a mountain range
located just inside the Namib Naukluft Park, we believe the points
showing him in the plains towards the river are the times when he is
hunting. The fact he is settled in this area must mean he is having
successful hunts and does not feel threatened by any other carnivores
that may be in the same area. For his first month of release we couldn't
have wished for a better start, we will continue to monitor him and
hope his success continues! </div>
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-6369726132829677492011-09-19T23:34:00.000-07:002013-01-16T23:35:22.683-08:00Volunteer Report: Hollie Saunders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjYbRkM2hQI1kBYr2SigmSo3BKgJ4y2Zw-6MP5dKk_mA5aWSJE5Y3ttvr9Cz_iuBCzv4Zm1vYF8PpWRqFLYCZlfxGXPYgDmlZVzs0j3JDkjhXuQYhSVf0-f60GtOf8Cve2g1djCtJErg-/s1600/CIMG4068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjYbRkM2hQI1kBYr2SigmSo3BKgJ4y2Zw-6MP5dKk_mA5aWSJE5Y3ttvr9Cz_iuBCzv4Zm1vYF8PpWRqFLYCZlfxGXPYgDmlZVzs0j3JDkjhXuQYhSVf0-f60GtOf8Cve2g1djCtJErg-/s640/CIMG4068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi,
I’m Hollie Saunders and I’ve spent the past 10 days volunteering at the
Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre. The programme allowed me to
witness and contribute to the rehabilitation and soft release method of
cheetah conservation. In my time at the NCCC I was able to take part in
the daily activities such as wild cheetah tracking within the soft
release camp and aiding Laura, the current student intern with her
research, which in this case was investigating the bush preferences of
specific cheetahs. Once their preferred habitat has been identified it
can help indicate how ready the cheetahs are for release and then be
compared to their preferred habitat after release. Other activities
included exploration and placing of camera traps in the surrounding area
so that the carnivore population can be established, game drives and
nature tours, data entry, and feeding the cheetahs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There
is a relaxed and positive atmosphere which makes the whole experience
unique. Working with Kate and Matt was fantastic as you feel instantly
part of the team and on top of that Walter and Simone are gracious
enough to allow the use of the guest farm's facilities including the
swimming pool, and they make you feel at home straight away. It has
been a great experience living in a fixed tent adding to the feeling of
adventure and the great outdoors. A highlight was definitely the trip
to Sossusvlei where we climbed the sand dunes and saw some fantastic
views.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hpd_SDnibZnA8s_2WUzuU92bwfxgtIQjqXxLkxO5v1wElw0IGjkJ3AL3_FAfQHZJtGMLQO6fyOq7MHTOjGQKvcaGG1mIfeV9AAIrXDjkuX0dgKOIv8FHppOYWg9DOutxF-20B28wSNOq/s1600/CIMG4181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Hpd_SDnibZnA8s_2WUzuU92bwfxgtIQjqXxLkxO5v1wElw0IGjkJ3AL3_FAfQHZJtGMLQO6fyOq7MHTOjGQKvcaGG1mIfeV9AAIrXDjkuX0dgKOIv8FHppOYWg9DOutxF-20B28wSNOq/s400/CIMG4181.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre shows the reality of conservation
instead of an attempt to domesticate the naturally wild cheetahs and the
fact that it is set in such a beautiful place completes the whole
experience. Taking part in the programme actually feels like you are
contributing something significant to wildlife conservation, therefore I
strongly recommend volunteering at the NCCC for anyone interested in
conservation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hollie Saunders</div>
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-58478609740921211532011-09-01T23:29:00.000-07:002013-01-16T23:30:11.244-08:00Boris: The First Release<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCDRyUL9wna02zRqa_9-JgPWUAj-GNMJnbETTo9-w_-HbTBbt8JsEe7PxHKogbcJ9qsdenXzl8uldGhBeLnnOQAXjTvJQOeW0vs0AK5lGstcvtrbfp9apqDHgckOBKhrDic_UMDZZPmne/s1600/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCDRyUL9wna02zRqa_9-JgPWUAj-GNMJnbETTo9-w_-HbTBbt8JsEe7PxHKogbcJ9qsdenXzl8uldGhBeLnnOQAXjTvJQOeW0vs0AK5lGstcvtrbfp9apqDHgckOBKhrDic_UMDZZPmne/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
30th of October marked a very important moment for the NCCC as it was
the day that saw our first cheetah released back to the wild. It was
made even more special as it was also the 40th cheetah N/a’an ku se has
released. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
cat in question was Boris, the four year old male (as mentioned in the
previous blog) who was trapped and taken to N/a’an ku se’s wildlife
sanctuary in May 2011 after he had been hunting game repeatedly on a
small game farm in the Windhoek area. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One
of our most important tasks over the past few months has been to get
Boris back into good condition. This was because when he was first
released into the camp he was slightly under weight due to not eating
all of his food given to him at the wildlife sanctuary, which often
happens when a fully wild cheetah is placed in captivity and has to
adjust from eating live food to pieces of meat.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So
by late October Boris had spent almost 4 months in the camp and had
bulked up nicely, acclimatised to the area and had hunted several
springbok - he was fully ready to be put back where he belongs. A date
was set and our directors Dr Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren made the trip
to Solitaire accompanied by a handful of excited N/a’an ku se staff
members and a film crew from <a href="http://www.homebrewfilms.co.za/?m=1">Homebrew Films</a>
who are filming for an ongoing documentary series about N/a’an ku se
for Animal Planet, the series will be called 'Wild Animal Orphans' and
will be aired on DSTV across the whole of Africa in March 2012. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
day before their arrival Kate and I had successfully trapped Boris in a
trap cage. This was done by simply placing the cage in his favourite
area in the camp and placing a tasty looking zebra leg in the cage. This
meant that Boris would have to spend a night in the cage but darting
him on the day was simply not an option as he would run away or hide
deep in a bush when he saw us approach.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So
on the morning of the 30th the entourage drove to the camp where a very
confused Boris was waiting for us. Before releasing Boris we had to
change his VHF collar for a brand new <a href="http://www.sirtrack.com/">Sirtrack</a>
GPS collar. Sirtrack is a New Zealand supplier of wildlife tracking
devices and they have generously donated a number of tracking collars to
N/a'an ku se for our conservation work as part of a new partnership
together. Boris' collar will send GPS points to a satellite every day
allowing us to
log onto our computer and download the data and monitor his movements.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRNLjLHZFaJG6JnNN7sVbXnD2xv7p3Q5BsMW6sPHVn_2v-GS5LjFlAYQjx6w9VEue9uywJbiiCdVhnNhw9N3tfAtlCEWaZaI3l3SWo0_nb9D21vcj4ak74ZZK2bbhSojqZ_wLHZ0Wumm5/s1600/IMG_4224.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rudie
quickly prepared the dart gun and he and Marlice slowly approached the
cage. Marlice distracted Boris and Rudie made a successful shot and it
only took a few minutes for the drugs to take effect. With Boris fast
asleep we carefully removed him from the cage and placed him on the back
of one our Landrovers. The collar was quickly replaced and a couple of
very small wounds he had sustained in the cage were treated (hopefully
that will be the last trap cage Boris will ever see).</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
With
his new collar fitted Boris’ moment had arrived and we slowly drove
just outside the pen and into an open grass plain to the East. We found a
nice shady tree and placed the still sleeping Boris under it. Rudie
administered a quick acting reversal drug and then we all stood back. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boris
slowly came around and after gazing in our direction with more
confusion he staggered to his feet and with the drugs still in his
system, wobbled away into the bush towards the mountains. It was an
amazing feeling watching him go free and as the reversal drug took hold
his movement quickly improved and he walked further away from us
experiencing life as a wild cheetah again.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
next day we eagerly opened the Sirtrack software and downloaded the
first point sent to us from Boris’ collar. We were pleased to see that
Boris was still on our farm and not far from the release site. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our
attention then turned to Spartacus who needed to be vasectomised. This
was necessary because as Spartacus will not be released we do not want
him mating with any of the females we will have in the camp. Everything
went very smoothly, Spartacus allowed us to approach and dart him
without any trouble and Rudie and Marlice carried out the procedure
quickly and efficiently. There was also a collar change for Spartacus as
we swapped his malfunctioning one for Boris’ old VHF collar. Kate and I
now hope on some occasions it wont take up to an hour to find him!
Spartacus woke up under a shady tree and as you would expect did not
look too pleased with us, so we left him to rest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzoIsonRd4CROeGciyqM5cRI3SOnWkcd-aD-Mx6bbw-AxcssFInI8xh6Z2_rDQkIZRCnGKJrp4ymcYQ_E1mzlK8Lc9v9gh2evCjHsEmKYVNrG2_vV9GCiuwgkTNMo1BMpTE3CWfDeyD8m/s1600/IMG_4355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzoIsonRd4CROeGciyqM5cRI3SOnWkcd-aD-Mx6bbw-AxcssFInI8xh6Z2_rDQkIZRCnGKJrp4ymcYQ_E1mzlK8Lc9v9gh2evCjHsEmKYVNrG2_vV9GCiuwgkTNMo1BMpTE3CWfDeyD8m/s400/IMG_4355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It
was a very exciting couple of days and it was great to hang out with
some of our N/a’an ku se colleagues who we don’t see that often. Rudie
and Marlice along with the film crew then started their journey further
south to one of N/a’an ku se’s other research sites at the <a href="http://www.sandfontein.com/">Sandfontein Nature and Game Reserve</a> where three more cheetahs will be released. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
following picture is a map of Boris’ movements during his first four
days back in the wild. His collar sends a GPS point once a day around
6:00am in the morning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfkLPmOGIHbY2BZUF4SkXYlOmQzrHiLKAPRfoBFzSFkcBRZW63eDXD-wKif2_2KZDlrwf3pqiQcmmNeKdOqEnSb0jw86mRlvdQxzB6dEgXKCiFxcly7YaloHe2qaMWQZ58MZdH4zzmkmK/s1600/BORIS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfkLPmOGIHbY2BZUF4SkXYlOmQzrHiLKAPRfoBFzSFkcBRZW63eDXD-wKif2_2KZDlrwf3pqiQcmmNeKdOqEnSb0jw86mRlvdQxzB6dEgXKCiFxcly7YaloHe2qaMWQZ58MZdH4zzmkmK/s640/BORIS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
morning after his release Kate and I found his tracks along the eastern
side of the cheetah camp where the two females, Annie and Betty like to
hang out. He then moved southwards but not too far. Over the following
two days he moved towards the mountains where a large group of oryx were
seen, indicating that he may have been on the hunt. This morning
however we discovered that he really stretched his legs and has moved
off the farm and into an area by a river where we know there are also
lots of oryx springbok and zebra.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Its
fantastic knowing Boris is out there and we can’t wait to get to our
computers in the morning and see where he is! Boris will be the first of
hopefully many and the data we will gather about his movements is going
to be invaluable for the ongoing research of N/a’an ku se’s Carnivore
Research Project. We will of course keep you informed on Boris'
progress. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before
I sign off, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that Spartacus has fully
recovered from his ordeal and was treated to a tasty rack of Zebra ribs
yesterday :)<br />
<br />
Photos by Deborah Binder</div>
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<br />NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4775884334591810132.post-70058610624340445672011-07-01T23:22:00.000-07:002013-01-16T23:23:00.417-08:00An Introduction to the NCCC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh6tgiIscL6nW8vkC2_hCLV-DBIu9D_o0LGJdO4v80vKVbW9HUf0i_5klWUN5z2Razxa2FZKilI4fEYtuJ5n80QxqJgYwkkehuWmImFu5lOfmWAdRMzw4M566GxVjxmQLNjyGgg3ImmLF/s1600/AFR_9550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh6tgiIscL6nW8vkC2_hCLV-DBIu9D_o0LGJdO4v80vKVbW9HUf0i_5klWUN5z2Razxa2FZKilI4fEYtuJ5n80QxqJgYwkkehuWmImFu5lOfmWAdRMzw4M566GxVjxmQLNjyGgg3ImmLF/s640/AFR_9550.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First
things first, thank you for stopping by and welcome to the official
Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre blog! Let me begin by answering the
most pressing question you may have…. what exactly is the Namib
Carnivore Conservation Centre?</div>
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The
NCCC is a unique carnivore research and education project based in
Southern Namibia and formed from the partnership between the <a href="http://www.naankuse.com/">N/a’an ku se Foundation</a> and <a href="http://www.solitaireguestfarm.com/">Solitaire Guest Farm Desert Ranch</a>
(where the Centre is based). The NCCC is part of N/a’an Ku se’s
ongoing Carnivore Conservation Research Project that started in 2008.
The aim of this project is to solve human-wildlife conflicts in Namibia
through sound scientific research on densities, home ranges and
territories of Cheetahs, Leopards and Hyena.</div>
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To contribute to this project our key aims are: </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>To promote the rehabilitation and reintroduction of large carnivores back to the wild. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>To provide assistance with mitigating human-wildlife conflict.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>To conduct a thorough study of the Solitaire Guest Farm’s large carnivore and game populations, and monitor them over time. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>To carry out low impact eco-tourism to educate, inspire, and help provide funds for ongoing research projects.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>To create partnerships with universities and colleges to provide student internships. </div>
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Solitaire
Guest Farm is located 6km away from the small town of Solitaire in the
foot of the Rantberg Mountains and just outside the border of the Namib
Naukluft Park. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3zjxBquFNoUx6Im66peTdEiIei0MHipowe12U0Zm3X5CdHnhi8-l6ij12ZGNbz_k5hr3RzowWYRAECbsjchMVMBrvuyv_I0T-WzwHIqx_w6ud15ae0zOP6GL7Tq7bvSXIhpv89SD5tSB/s1600/map2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3zjxBquFNoUx6Im66peTdEiIei0MHipowe12U0Zm3X5CdHnhi8-l6ij12ZGNbz_k5hr3RzowWYRAECbsjchMVMBrvuyv_I0T-WzwHIqx_w6ud15ae0zOP6GL7Tq7bvSXIhpv89SD5tSB/s400/map2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
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The
Guest Farm was established in 2004 and is owned by Walter and Simone
Swarts. The Swarts have always been passionate about wildlife and
always envisioned their facility to be able to sustain conservation
through low impact eco-tourism. They became good friends with N/a’an ku
se’s directors Dr Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren and made their land
available for the NCCC earlier this year. Work at the Guest Farm was
soon underway and six months later a 500ha enclosure had been completed
to be used to hold formally captive cheetahs as they undergo an
environmental adjustment period before being released back to the wild,
this process is also known as a ‘soft release’. In the future we may be a
location to release leopards, however, due to being stronger and
tougher animals leopards can be released straight to the wild without an
adjustment period (hard release).</div>
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The NCCC started on the 27<sup>th</sup>
of June 2011 when 4 cheetahs were transported from N/a’an ku se’s
wildlife sanctuary near Windhoek and placed into the NCCC’s ‘soft
release’ holding camp. You can read all about this exciting day by
reading this entry on N/a’an ku se’s <a href="http://naankuse-carnivoreconservation.blogspot.com/2011/07/release-of-lifetime.html#more">official blog</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, let me introduce you to the first cheetah residents of the NCCC:</div>
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<u><b>Annie and Betty</b></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1i-Yp5NV0tb0JF5f210fMMPIReJCJTy44gt17kYGB7NfphV6a9CfD6SZFUb11drFeSejz8w-u1h0NwEJOMQsEed56N_Qwk_IA7MsPbksHeS8BuVZFBL3_EjO6JUUqpKUpn32zrOJRslT/s1600/P1010325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1i-Yp5NV0tb0JF5f210fMMPIReJCJTy44gt17kYGB7NfphV6a9CfD6SZFUb11drFeSejz8w-u1h0NwEJOMQsEed56N_Qwk_IA7MsPbksHeS8BuVZFBL3_EjO6JUUqpKUpn32zrOJRslT/s320/P1010325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Annie
and Betty are three and a half year old sisters who were orphaned in
the Okahandja region when they were only six months old. They have spent
the last three years at N/a’an ku se’s wildlife sanctuary and are now
old enough to be released. </div>
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<u><b>Boris</b></u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QbsY8VWBo6XQytLEMCsM6GD4WhNNgjzbHbHrrYtbPvrQzZiKUwa-nsFkysfyq80htoGT_8oL_5ltOE8AMyglBDUKudXI8bb8QPrcgIteqnGigNSYwx0K6ppV2n8u0R9IU-JDwXur1o3v/s1600/PICT0011.jpg"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QbsY8VWBo6XQytLEMCsM6GD4WhNNgjzbHbHrrYtbPvrQzZiKUwa-nsFkysfyq80htoGT_8oL_5ltOE8AMyglBDUKudXI8bb8QPrcgIteqnGigNSYwx0K6ppV2n8u0R9IU-JDwXur1o3v/s320/PICT0011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<u><b> </b></u>Boris
is a four-year-old male who was hunting game on a very small game farm
in the Windhoek area. The farmer not wanting to harm him asked N/a’an ku
se for help and in June 2011 he was successfully trapped and spent only
a short period of time at the sanctuary before being transported to the
NCCC. </div>
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<u><b>Spartacus</b></u></div>
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<u><b> </b></u>In
2009 Spartacus and his brother were responsible for killing a suspected
35 calves on a farm neighbouring N/a’an ku se. The brothers were
therefore trapped and taken to the sanctuary. Sadly Spartacus’ brother
died of illness soon after. Spartacus then became notorious for being a
very aggressive character, especially around feeding time. Due to his
preference for hunting cattle Spartacus is not suitable for release but
to improve his quality of life he was also moved to the NCCC’s spacious
500ha holding camp.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Two
N/a'an ku se biologists are stationed at the NCCC, Kate Echement and
Matt Cleverley - the author of this well written blog :) Kate and I are
responsible for the monitoring and husbandry of the cheetahs, taking
tourists on cheetah tracking safaris, collecting data for research and
supervising volunteers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkySsgB-4CrR9TPHubnnExrApEExgIteQOy6QbQmeTfrIx7o92ot8MFU2rXcXuh68GpCrJgccmTeaoqB6UJeNrccD8meBCHperCL4wLYZ7JmPKi-DplMnm8KBoWM8qAt1RQaQayvNboNGc/s1600/CIMG3834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkySsgB-4CrR9TPHubnnExrApEExgIteQOy6QbQmeTfrIx7o92ot8MFU2rXcXuh68GpCrJgccmTeaoqB6UJeNrccD8meBCHperCL4wLYZ7JmPKi-DplMnm8KBoWM8qAt1RQaQayvNboNGc/s400/CIMG3834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We
are really excited to say that the first few months of the NCCC have
gone extremely well. We have taken 800+ people out to see the cats on
cheetah tracking safaris which involves finding the cats via
radio-telemetry and then walking on foot through the bush to see the
cats. The guests absolutely love this truly unique experience with many
giving donations and wanting to return to the NCCC as volunteers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq1_2jGVRAtm-m12NwAM-UXVr6emBn3qqoGC-V2yqhXZEpUW454hQCeVjWDHXk9vjkxgmMOEsojtG81NE0jb53llHsg6HUGj8CiMWLUMBvjA0MTsVyt8V0D9bMFYFIOKA2HFVwnsmvIvF/s1600/SAM_0158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq1_2jGVRAtm-m12NwAM-UXVr6emBn3qqoGC-V2yqhXZEpUW454hQCeVjWDHXk9vjkxgmMOEsojtG81NE0jb53llHsg6HUGj8CiMWLUMBvjA0MTsVyt8V0D9bMFYFIOKA2HFVwnsmvIvF/s400/SAM_0158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We
have started placing camera traps around the farm and have already
captured great photos of a young male Leopard, a Spotted Hyena, Caracal
and Bat-Eared Foxes.<br />
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In
our first month a student group from the Maricopa Community Colleges in
the States were with us for three nights and helped us start exploring
the area. We taught the students how to track and they also helped us
strengthen the cheetah camp fence and mapped the camp's roads with a
GPS. The group was lead by Prof. Dennis Wilson who is an old friend of
ours. It was great having his group here and they helped us out
enormously, we are hoping to continue the relationship and welcome
another group next year.<br />
<br />
We currently have a student
intern on site, Laura Eikendal, who is conducting a study on the
habitat preferences of the cats in the holding camp and we have also
welcomed our first volunteers. One of them, Barbara Ingrund, has had an
article she wrote about her experience published by <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.de/die-welt-von-ng/meine-arbeit-mit-afrikanischen-raubkatzen">National Geographic Germany</a>. <br />
<br />
I
hope this serves as an adequate introduction to the NCCC and you will
return to this blog to check up on the latest developments. <br />
<br />
All the best, Matt Cleverley<br />
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NamibCCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039211377775134754noreply@blogger.com1