Just Another Days Work

A couple of weeks ago, we had some guys here doing a research project for their Masters Degree. It involved putting bracelets on some of the rhino legs for a couple of days to collect data. Well it was time to take the bracelet off Pemba, who weighs one and a half ton, yes, that is 3000 lbs. Pemba was the little cutie I got to see come in and take care of last year. now he's soon on his way to be released.  The day before this particular day, we had successfully put the bracelet on him without any issue.  Regardless, I cautiously put food out to distract and occupy him and slowly made my way in. He noticed me but just looked at me and then continued eating. As I eased in closer I talked to him calmly, with confidence, but still keeping my distance being aware and careful as he is a very big wild animal. He watched me but carried on eating. Then without warning he came at me...like a freight train. Running I turned my back to try to reach for the concrete trough that was not far from me. It seemed liked miles away but when I was finally just about to reach it, his horn went between my legs and lifted me into the air. I landed on the trough and he kept charging and hitting me. I was bleeding from hitting the trough so hard when I came back down. When I was able to get back up I also noticed my thigh was scratched and instantly bruised from his horn. He came back again and I dodged him a bit. About that time, one of the researchers made a racket to get his attention. They got the bag full of food to distract him and I was able to get away. Unfortunately, I didn't get the ankle monitor on this try. I was a bit scratched, jarred, and spooked but fortunately I was ok. (For several days after I was pretty sore, however). See, this rhino doesn't get much human contact anymore. He must have thought I was a danger to his food and reacted. Surprisingly I am very happy he acted that way...he will do SO well out in the wild. He's one tough guy. All apart of the job!! I think the guys were more freaked out than I was. I expected something like that...they weren't. They were in shock. What's amazing to me is that they were recording, but unfortunately when it all happened they put the camera down. In the video you can see when he ran at me and then you hear nothing but a commotion.  The time was literally 10 seconds, it happened so fast but felt like it took forever.

Ten minutes later it was time to make milk. As I was putting the teet on, the bottles slipped and milk spilt everywhere, on the floor and on me. Angie and I just laughed. Typical really. Then as I was feeding the rhinos, the teets kept coming off. Once. Twice. Then a third time where the bottle flipped spilling more milk on me and the ground...at this point I could have either laughed or cried. Luckily, I chose to laugh and Angie and I did just that. Following that we were giving the rhinos some dry food and I went around to get the hose to fill their water bowls....I hear a noise. It was just about dark and I thought it was a rat since we see those a lot. I yell out "go away rat." I see something move and I take a better look....and...it wasn't a rat...it...SLITHERED! Ok so before I tell you the rest of my story, let me give you some background. This, by far, was the worst part of the night. Some of you may or may not know I have a disgust and a phobia of snakes. I appreciate our coexistence and what they do for our ecosystem...but I would appreciate it much more if I never had to see them. I went through a phase where it wasn't as bad but once I got here during the summer, the terror came back full force. The snakes here in Africa are unlike those in Lakeland, Florida....they are bigger, faster, more venomous and just plain more horrifying. They are the snakes of all snakes. There are two kinds I dread the most.  First are cobras...specifically the spitting cobra which reaches about 4 feet long and never misses it's target when it spits it's venom, normally at their target's eyes, blinding them. If bitten you must seek aid immediately. But then there is the worst of the worst. The one that literally sends chills up my spin..ok all of them do but this one...well this one is...The Black Mamba. They are not black...they are grayish/brown and can reach up to 15 feet long with a face of pure evil. They are one of the most dangerous snakes in the world and can reach speeds up to 12.5 mph.  A bit from them is generally a 100% fatality rate, usually within 20 minutes. Every time I walk through thick bush I am stomping my feet as hard as I can to give any snake a warning and to slither away. (which to my somewhat comfort is the normal behavior of any snake). I look like a plain fool but I don't care. Rather be a fool than see a snake. Well my worst nightmare had to occur on this not so perfect day...of all days. I see it slither away and of course I scream...ok maybe it was more on the squeal side...and run all the way to Angie. I wouldn't walk past there without her...of course that was the only way out. I freaked out so hard I got a kink in my neck and couldn't move it for a while...yeah I know pathetic but it was horrible. The next day, Dan, Simone's boyfriend came to look for it and of course couldn't find it. So now obviously I call out..."go away snake" every time I have to pass that area. And so what did I see today...2 snake tracks. Awesome. Ok so literally there are some not so good days but the rest of them sure make up for the bad ones!!

Just a photo of  Faith and I that I wanted to share

The Day of Learning

Before I start to tell you about my other day that wasn’t particularly the best I should tell you about a good day that happened in between. There is a grade school outside of Pretoria called Reddam House Waterfal School. They have taken it upon themselves to donate money to the orphanage. So now they are the official sponsors and are the first to be accorded as official partner status. It is quite an honor, and they scheduled a whole day of celebration. They sold bubbles and the money that they earned came to us!! The reason for the bubbles is because they are sponsoring Nyani, one of the "teenagers." She's the sweet girl that thinks she's a human and when she was a baby she really enjoyed to blow bubbles in the water. They really liked that story about Nyani and decided that's the rhino they will sponsor. So in their day of celebration they asked if we could send some people from the Orphanage to the school to talk to the kids about what we do and a share some facts about Nyani. So Jamie and I met Camilla, who was a volunteer who lives in Pretoria, and we went. Jamie and I left for the school at 4:00 am. It takes about 2 hours to get there but we were going to have to go through an area that has massive delays in traffic. So to be there before 8 we left at 4. Well, we still ended up being late. We were caught in traffic and then we followed bad directions sending us 30 minutes out of the way. We had to stop and ask directions twice. We even remember seeing a school and saying "hey I bets that's it and we are almost there." But the GPS took us on a road past it...well that school ended up being the school we needed and the GPS deterred us. Once we got there our stomachs were in knots. The school was immaculate. It was new, “ginormous” and unlike any grade school I have ever seen. It seemed like it was the Yale of grade schools. (That was for you Uncle Blake). Once we stepped through the gates we saw kids....everywhere. Running around blowing bubbles and having a blast. They surrounded 2 huge beaded rhinos in the center of the grass. My instant thought "oh my what have we gotten ourselves into!" Once they had gotten the kids settled, they took them to an auditorium. They started off singing their school song and instantly I thought " wow I want to come here".  One class did a presentation that was super cute and then it was our turn to talk. It was short, but we enjoyed it and the kids seemed interested too! Afterwards they called out everyone who had a birthday that month to come down and get a cupcake and then gave out awards to those students who were exemplary. It was such a fun, hip and well-behaved school. We took pictures with the class that was called "The Rhino Class" and then went to the Headmasters office. There we talked with her, a reporter from 2 newspapers, a councilor of Johannesburg and other dignitaries. They were all very easy to talk to. We really enjoyed our time there and it made the long journey worthwhile. They are planning on sponsoring another rhino and doing another cool event where they would like us to join and of course we are looking forward to it. It was really inspiring to see a school, whose motto is "We must give back," that is helping build our future to aid our planet and all that inhabits it. Sister schools are now starting to pick up charities and programs to donate to as well.

The "Rhino" class

After the school we decided to take up the opportunity to go to the city since we live in the bush....in the middle if “no where”. We went to a Mug and Bean, which is a restaurant with coffee that I would but in a category below Starbucks but here, without Starbucks, it's perfect. We then shopped around and went to the movies. I've never been to the movies here and it was a real treat. For those of you who are wondering...their theaters are just like ours!! We then of course missed our exit on the way back and got a little lost but eventually we found our way back to our quaint place in the bush.

Since the Rhino orphanage is a non-profit organization, it is very much appreciated when donations come in and this school is making a difference. If you're wondering if you can too...well you can. There is a wish list on amazon of things that we really need but also The Rhino Orphanage has opened up a Paypal, making it easier for people around the world to help. People can give a flat donation or they can now sponsor a rhino. So if you are interested in donating or even following more on what's happening at the orphanage go to http:// therhinoorphanage.co.za/ and like us on Facebook!!!

One of Many Interesting Days To Come

Over the past few weeks I have some really good days (I mean how could I not I'm working with rhinos)...but then there were also a few days that didn't go as well. Two days stick out in particular and over the next few posts I'll tell you about them. The first day started like any other day. Jamie and I were taking the "Tots”; Kumba, Lunga, and Faith, out on a walk. Usually as soon as they walk past the gates into the bush, they take that opportunity to use the restroom. And like I said this day was no different...well except Lunga was minding his own business...doing his business...a little too close to where Faith was also doing hers. We look over and see Lunga hop back in shock, shake his head, and stare at us with a look of pure disgust as poo and urine drips from his face. As you could imagine Jamie and I were doubled over as we were laughing so hard. The poor little fella got a nice wake up call and didn't look too pleased to have received it...nor to be laughed at. After we finally contained ourselves we continued on our way. We stopped at a spot that they love. They layed down for a bit and then all of a sudden it was as if Lunga remembered the tragedy that had occurred moments before and got in a bad mood. Charging Faith, who I happened to be standing next to, but instead of hitting his original target, he smacked me right in the shin sending pulses through my leg!! As soon as my leg pain started to subside he decides he is going to go for Kumba....again the rhino I have decided to stand near.  So who does he hit?...yep, me!  This time he hit me under the knee, lifting his head and bringing my leg along with it. Once I finally got him to calm down and was able to bring my leg back to where it belongs, I assessed the damaged. His horn sent a nice scratch all the way up my leg and ending with an instantly colorful giant bruise. Yes...it did hurt. Lunga seemingly pleased with himself, carried on his way. Jamie, now laughing at my bad luck, followed as I feebly wobbled along. Thanks Lunga! After we got back I decided to grab the hose to fill their water bowls. As I "kinked" the hose to carry it, the attachment that connected the hose to the "spicket" blew off sending water everywhere. I went back and reattached it and then as I step away it burst off again but this time soaking me in the process. I quickly turned it off and looked at Jamie who now is hysterical....I'm SO glad she was entertained. Hours past with no other serious issues, well besides some spilled milk but I can't cry over that. Then as we were feeding the teenagers Nyani decided to take a poo...which splashed all over my legs....not sure I believe in karma but this sure is supporting the theory. The rest of the day included a bit of mud flicking on me during a rhino mud bath but that's was minuscule. The day finally ended with a nice shower and well needed sleep. Stories of my other particular bad day and the good ones surrounding it are to follow. Also, you can follow this blog and get updates on my future posts if that's what you're interested in. Stay tuned.

The Aftermath

Just a Photo of Some Muddy Tater "Tots"

Faith Enjoying the Mud

Kumba Soaking It All In

The Rhino That Started It All

Tshwalo-2012

Tshwalo-2013

Tshwalo On a Walk-2013

Today marks 1 year since Tshwalo, the first baby I cared for in 2012, passed away. Remembering him on this solemn day has brought along many different kinds of emotions. Of course, the obvious is sadness. Having him no longer with us is upsetting and I know I'm not alone in saying I wish we could have done more but now my feeling changes to happiness when I think that he is no longer living in the pain that he suffered with for far too long. Then as my thoughts shuffle through all my memories that I had with him I am left full of gratitude. From the moment I laid eyes on him it was as if my heart grew. That little guy, who later was anything but a little guy, changed my life. Many would argue that he is just an animal. They wonder how could an animal have such an affect on someone, well those are the people I can't help but feel sympathy for. Missing such a chance to know an animal in that way is heartbreaking and I feel ever blessed to have gotten the opportunity. Although he didn't know it Tshwalo taught me patience. Trying to figure out what's wrong as he continuously cried or when he wouldn't budge an inch as I tried to get him back in his room. He taught me understanding that things sometimes happen out of your control and you must take a deep breath and handle the situation calmly. Understanding that he, as well as most creatures on this earth also have bad moods, especially when they don't feel good. (Which also brings up the fact that he taught me how to take a hard hit in the shins. Geez was that booger strong.) He gave me a more in-tune clarity of the creatures of the world. It's now clear to me that unlike humans, with their guns and technology, animals, especially rhinos are very vulnerable. Sure, rhinos have huge horns and are stronger than you would believe, but behind all that is just a little baby who yearns for a cuddle and to know they are safe. (Unfortunately, they do not have that luxury and at the orphanage we try our very best to fill that void.) But overall they are just like human babies, dependent and just searching for comfort and love. Love...something else I learned from him.  This guy started it all. I would not be here in South Africa surrounded by these truly remarkable rhinos if it weren't for him. He showed true unconditional love. As a baby he would cry and cry until I would finally lie down next to him when he would then lay his head on my lap, finally finding sleep. Or when he was older and we would go on walks. If something startled him he would run as fast as he could back to me, searching for protection. Although I looked different than him and couldn't give him everything his mother could he showed me so much love. And oh man did I love him back.  All the playtime, the cuddling, feeding, even with all the hitting and bashing I couldn't help but to fall hard for him. His spunky and sweet personality ignited a flame in me that has now turned into a full out blaze to try and help save others like him. Rhinos are full of love and the brutality of their murders is undeserved. They may not be as intelligent as an elephant or as majestic as a lion, but they are worth saving. Tshwalo taught me that. He helped me find my passion and what I feel is what I am meant to do. I'm not sure exactly where I would be if it weren't for him. I am reminded of him daily, whether it's from my cover photo on Facebook or background on all my technology, which I just can't seem to bring myself to change. The tattoo on my wrist I got in honor of him is a constant reminder as well as walking around where I once spend hours on hours with him. I am honored to have gotten the chance to cherish him. On this day and everyday, Tshwalo, who unexpectedly changed my life, will never be forgotten.

Fun stories to come! 

Photos of Some Cute Rhinos

The "Teenagers" 

Lesedi

Shaka and I 

Nyani

Kumba

Lunga

Faith

The Rhino Orphanage Intro

After many requests I have decided to comply and create this blog to share my experiences and the many stories that I have from working at The Rhino Orphange in South Africa…and man do I have many. Every day is different. Some busier than others but I will try to post as much as possible as well as add a couple photos here and there.

Before I start into the story-telling I should first do a few brief introductions. I currently work for a man named Arrie Van Deventer. He owns the rhino orphanage and if I were to describe him I would just say...wow! The man demands respect when he walks in a room without even trying but then sits with you and tell stories from his eventful past over coffee like old friends. His experience over the years has made him such a wise and caring man. His wife is named Marietjie. She also does a lot of work for the orphanage as well as for the Wild Care Center, up the road, with Arrie. Guest come there to see different kinds of animals including lions, even the rare white lions, as well as the African Wild Dogs. Those are truly amazing species that I have grown to really love the more I learn about them. They aren't just dogs roaming the streets by the way, they are actually call Wild Dogs…you should google…so cute!

Then there is the manager at the Rhino Orphanage, Gaby. She is from Mexico and is really great. Always making things happen here in no time. The difference from the time I came in 2013 to 2014 was a significant change…for the better. She has and is still doing an amazing job and I really admire her.

Simoné is another employee, from South Africa, with so much experience. She has worked on the reserve, Entabeni, next door and the stories she tells is awesome. She knows so much about the bush and I love learning from her. She has already taught me so much about the bush as well as one of the native languages here, Afrikaans. Along with that I have noticed her patience since she is always having to repeat herself over and over again because I can't ever remember what she just told me. Poor girl. Jamie is also from South Africa and is studying vet nursing on the side. She, too, has taught me a lot and in the short time (a month and a half) that I have known her. She is constantly making me laugh. Full of energy and spunk. Both these girls have become such good friends of mine. We have become so close living and working together. They are always making me smile and I feel I can tell them anything. It is so nice to work with those who shares the love of rhinos and other animals as I do. We all have the same view points and mutual understanding on why we are here. Sure are social life usually consists of just us and we don't go out much and we miss our families and friends more than anything in the world but those rhinos have stolen are hearts and they are worth it all to try to save them. I am honored to be working with all of them.

We received a new volunteer yesterday. Her name is Angie and she is originally from Canada but has spent many years in Costa Rica. Already I like her and can't wait to get to know her over the course of the 3 months she will be here.

So the rhinos… the rhinos that make it all worth while. I will just tell you about a few for now. Each of these rhinos have their own personalities and are equally as special. "The Teenagers" consist of 3 rhinos. First up is Lesedi. When he first came here he was very untrusting…which is understandable as  humans did kill his mom. Over time we have reached a point that now we can rub his belly and he has even gotten to where he will lay down near us and let us rub his belly. That is a sign that he is comfortable around us. We still keep an eye on him when he starts walking toward us with a purpose since he is a wild animal and is…well...Lesedi. I am so happy that we have gotten to see his sweet side. He has closely bonded with the female of this group, Nyani. She is so easy going and loving. Loving of us (we are pretty sure she thinks she's a human) and well as of her milk. She was weened of milk but a recent injury caused us to have to start giving her more milk and she is always there waiting…mouth wide open. If we go into their enclosure she will follow you around lips up, mouth opened, hoping that you have milk to give her. She is hilarious. Although Lesedi thinks he's in charge…we all know Nyani is. Where ever she goes the others go. Once we had to separate Nyani from the others and we thought Lesedi was going to break through the wall. He cried and ran around so worried about his Nyani. I have never heard or seen him like that. She has won his as well as our hearts. Then there is Shaka. He's the black rhino of the group…and well we also think the slowest…in the smarts department. Bless his heart…he jumps at every noise and gets confused..all the time. He just stares off into space and always wonder what and if anything is going on in there. He is also the most talkative rhino I have ever seen but man is he so sweet. He gives some of the best kisses and hugs ever.

Now we've got the "Babies," "Tots," "Poopsies," and on many days the "Brats." They are the younger ones and man…they are all pieces of work. Kumba is the oldest of these 3 and I think is most obedient rhino here. When we call he (usually) comes and will lay next to you and cuddle. He gives Shaka competition on the best hugs and kisses. He also thinks he's a human and is probably the rhino that everyone feels comfortable with. Sweetest as can but has his moments. He is the one pictured in the back ground of this blog. Lunga is younger and literally does what he wants, goes where wants, steps on who he wants, hits who he wants and is a little independent booger. However, he too can be so sweet. He loves getting his belly rub. The look on his face when getting scratch is hilarious and you can help but love him. Faith is the little girl of the group. Same age as Lunga and follows either him or Kumba everywhere. She can't be away from them. One moment she comes up to you leans her head against you legs begging to be rubbed and the next minute bashing you with her horn. She is a little madame but one we all love so dearly.

Ok well those are a few brief introductions and hopefully over time you all will learn more about them and will fall in love with them just as I have.