The Aftermath
Just a Photo of Some Muddy Tater "Tots"
Faith Enjoying the Mud
Kumba Soaking It All In
Friday, February 20, 2015
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.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
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!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
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.
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.
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