Rockfig is a privately owned safari lodge which is situated in the Western sector of Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe Game Reserve is a Malaria free area that provides you with an unforgettable game viewing experience. Madikwe has some of the best game viewing opportunities in the Southern part of Africa. The Reserve is home to a variety of game including the Big 5, tons of antelope and if you are extremely lucky the elusive pangolin. Upon arrival we were met by the lovely team at Rockfig including our host Brett and our guide Stephan. After a short orientation and taking of temperatures (because Covid has forced us to change our normal ways of life) we hopped onto the golf cart and Brett took us on a tour of the lodge. Along the tour we stopped off at a private hide which gets frequent elephant visitors as well as the beautiful birdlife seen around the waterhole. After this we unpacked the car (which the amazing team at Rockfig will do for you) and it was time to relax around our very own private pool including viewing deck and private waterhole not available to any other guests besides us which was definitely the highlight of our stay. There are 4 houses at Rockfig, the family villa (Inkwe – where we had the pleasure of staying which includes your private pool, vewing deck, waterhole as well as a private field guide for the duration of your stay) The Buffalo suit (Nare), Elephant Suit( Tlou) and Rhino Suit (Tshkudu). Before we knew it, it was time for our game drive. When staying at Rockfig you are given two game dives a day with an experienced and well-trained field guide. We were extremely lucky to be paired with Stephan who not only could answer every question we threw at him, he made sure that even when we saw the common impala we would be met with interesting facts about them (did you know on cold mornings impalas puff out their fur to regulate their temperatures to stay warm??). Our drives were scheduled for 05:30 in the morning and 16:30 in the afternoon and all drives were 3 and a half hours long. As we all know Madikwe is known for its amazing wildlife sightings and while a lot of the times people go to game reserves to see the big 5, on our trip my favorite sighting was of the cutest looking ground squirrels foraging around eating the new green shoots that can be seen all over the reserve just after the rains. With temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s (Degrees Celsius) and being avid game reserve visitors we knew that the game viewing may be a little slower than usual due to the extreme heat, however Stephan did not disappoint us with delivering on most of our viewing requests from lion, elephant, rhino (white and black), buffalo, cheetah with cubs and even the illusive brown hyena none of us could complain. From the moment we arrived at Rockfig to the sad goodbye when leaving we were treated with the most amazing attention to detail, friendly staff and memories to last a lifetime. This is definitely a lodge I will be back to, after all I still need to see my favorite animal - The Spotted Hyena. There is no Wi-Fi on a safari but you will find a better connection
2 Comments
There are more African elephants being killed for ivory than are being born... Elephant numbers have dropped by 62% over the last decade, and they could be mostly extinct by the end of the next decade. An estimated 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory, meat and body parts, leaving only 400,000 remaining. An insatiable lust for ivory products in the Asian market makes the illegal ivory trade extremely profitable, and has led to the slaughter of tens of thousands of African elephants. Between 2010 and 2014, the price of ivory in China tripled, driving illicit poaching through the roof. If the elephants are to survive, the demand for ivory must be stopped . As of 2011, the world is losing more elephants than the population can reproduce, threatening the future of African elephants across the continent. Bull elephants with big tusks are the main targets and their numbers have been diminished to less than half of the females. Female African elephants have tusks and are also killed, which has a terrible effect on the stability of elephant societies, leaving an increasing number of orphaned baby elephants. Places like The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust exist to combat poaching, safe guard the natural environment and educate the general public on the importance of conservation in Africa. I have spent hours and hours watching elephants, and come to understand what emotional creatures they are…it’s not just a species facing extinction, it’s massive individual suffering. - Dr. Jane Goodall We can save elephants by implementing stronger protection policies for wild elephants at both local and international levels of government; stronger enforcement and legislative measures against the poaching and illegal trade of ivory; better management of natural elephant habitats; better education about the vital role of the elephant in ecosystems; more viable alternative economic opportunities for those whose livelihoods depend on elephants; improved treatment for captive elephants; and, where appropriate, reintroduction of captive elephants into protected sanctuaries that allow a natural replenishing of endangered populations. These are just some of the goals that numerous elephant conservation organizations are focusing on around the world to prevent the extinction of wild elephants and the destruction of their habitat, and to improve the quality of life for those elephants in captivity. Elephants are running out of space and time. Before we know it they will be gone unless we collectively stop the senseless poaching and consumer demand for ivory, and allocate protected natural habitat in countries where elephants and other wildlife can thrive now, and in the future. " Poaching has been defined as the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals." Down to the Wire strive to create awareness on a critical topic - POACHING One of the most ruling methods of this inhumane act, is snaring. DOWN TO THE WIRE addresses one of the biggest threats to our precious wildlife. Finding alternative ways to turn what once was so destructive into hope. Anti-poaching units are doing their part by removing these death traps from our wildlife areas. Once removed, these snares serve no other purpose. Our quest is to rework these snares into uniquely hand crafted bangles as a symbol of life. Altering brutality into beauty. Any animal affected by snaring, should not be left unaided, regardless of their size or endangered status. Funds raised are made available to a select group of wildlife veterinarians- who have dedicated their lives to making a difference within wildlife conservation, to cover costs of treatment and rehabilitation. Please could you follow and support Down To The Wire by clicking on their social media platforms below, I also urge you to support the amazing vets and team behind them who conduct these rescue missions buy purchasing the jewelry and bookmarks.
For many dog and cat owners, the announcement that South Africa would be in a lock down from the 25th of March 2020 seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with their pets. However, 46 days later since the stay-at-home orders that have been put in place around the country haven’t only mentally and emotionally impacted the well being of people, pets have also shown a range of reactions to the changes. On social media, pet owners have reported that both cats and dogs have begun displaying unusual behaviors, such as increased barking or clinginess, while others have become standoffish. “Anyone else’s dog barking like five times more than usual during quarantine?” one person asked on Twitter. “Because I am going to lose my mind.” Another said: “Personal #SocialDistancing update: My dog, Hank, was thrilled with the quarantine situation. More walks, having mommy home 24/7. Now he seems annoyed, he makes it a point to be in a different room than me, turns his butt to face me, and exhales loudly when I pet him.” According to Dr Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, the differences in the behaviour of pets is expected as animals react to change just like humans do. “We’re seeing a whole array of different behaviour during this sudden time and it varies,” Dr Levine told The Independent. “It depends on the individual and what their likes and dislikes are and what their emotional state was before this.” According to Dr Levine, there have been “some pets that are very happy that the people are home and they have more social interactions,” a positive change she’s seen impact dogs that were previously aggressive towards other dogs. However, Dr Levine says she has also seen cases in which the opposite has happened, where dogs have begun demonstrating aggressive behaviour because “the whole family is stuck at home and the dog is getting tired of it”. For example, if your dog or cat is used to having alone time while you’re at work, the likely increase in petting, hugging, kissing and overall attention as a result of social distancing measures may be frustrating for your pet. For furry friends that appear to be withdrawing more, Dr Levine recommends giving them space to do so. “To comfort the pet, it depends on the pet's personality,” she said, explaining that “if they are frustrated or anxious in the home because of loud noises or hugging and kissing, we want to make sure the dog has a place in the home that they can choose to go to and it's their own spot where nobody can bother them". “If the dog is not loving all of this human attention, you want to stop, as hard as it is, and pull back on those interactions to keep the dog happy.” So what can we do to make this lock down period easier for our pets? Following the same routine as before quarantine was in place is also helpful for most animals, and can make it easier for them to adjust to the situation. For other pet owners, quarantine has led their dogs and cats to become clingier. “My dog has been super clingy this whole quarantine lol,” someone tweeted, while another asked: “Has anyone else’s dog become EXTRA clingy during the quarantine?" For those experiencing clingier pets, first check that your pet isn’t in pain, as dogs and cats may display clinginess when they are in discomfort. One of the primary causes of discomfort, which can be hard to diagnose, is musculoskeletal pain, which i'd recommend taking your pet to the vet for an overall checkup if you notice that they have become extra clingy. Anxiety is another reason pets may be increasingly clingy, which can be managed in a variety of ways, from probiotics to anxiety medication. Factoring in a pet’s anxiety is especially important now, as it is expected that many cats and dogs will suffer from separation anxiety once quarantine ends and their parents return to their daily schedules. To make it easier for your pet to adjust once social distancing measures lift, short trips out of the house where the pet is left behind can be useful. Because pets are experiencing changes just like humans, it is not currently clear how different animals will react to this time in quarantine. However, animal behaviourists, such as Karen L Overall, are in the process of gathering data from pet owners through questionnaires in an effort to study these behavioural changes. Overall, it is expected that dogs and cats will respond differently throughout this process and the most important thing is to make sure they are feeling happy and comfortable. Follow the Health Department’s latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19), including the NICD’s prevention methods. Travellers from Covid-19 affected areas are advised to stay at home for up to 14 days. If you develop any symptoms contact your doctor or clinic, they will advise your next steps. For more information visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases website or call 0800 029 999. Alternatively, send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp. During this time, people across our country have offered to help through the Solidarity Response Fund.
“Anybody who poses with an exotic cat is a problem, and that just drives more and more and more breeding of these cats who will never live free.” I have been inundated with messages and comments such as 'Trish you should watch tiger king on Netflix you love animals' or 'Trish watch Tiger King they show really cute baby tigers' or my personal favorite 'watch tiger king, its not really about tigers just some angry breeders'. Tiger King certainly alludes to the suffering of big cats used in tourist traps, but the docuseries ultimately focusing on the rivalry between Baskin and Joe Exotic, glosses over why forcing these animals to participate in public encounters or photo ops is never worth it. In the first episode, for example, sleeping tigers are passed around for rapid-fire photo ops during what Joe refers to as “playtime.” When asked by a customer how old the tiger cubs are, he reveals that they’re just 6 weeks old. The cubs in this clip have their eyes closed because they’re exhausted, likely after being overworked. Like any young animal (including human babies), tiger cubs require a lot of sleep, but these cubs are often not afforded adequate rest. “From the time that they’re 4 weeks old to the time that they’re 16 weeks old, you can profit $100,000 on that cub … interaction, playtime, photos,” Joe admitted on camera. In another scene, Joe presents tiger cubs to a crowd of dozens of people and claims that “they’re only an hour old.” In episode four, after demanding that a camera operator film a mother tiger giving birth at his infamous ramshackle roadside zoo, The Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, Joe and his cohort use a metal hook to drag one of the newborn cubs from their mother. This occurred mere moments after the helpless infant entered the world. A staff member then pulled the cringing newborn tiger cub under the enclosure’s metal fence, separating her completely from the safety of her mom. Premature maternal separation often causes psychological and physiological trauma. In nature, tiger cubs would stay by their protective and nurturing mothers for up to two years, but tiger cubs used for photo ops are torn away from their mothers when they’re just hours, days, or weeks old. Cold and heat stress, malnutrition, exhaustion, and infectious diseases affect many of these likely terrified cubs, particularly the youngest ones, whose immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. In addition, the Tiger King scenes in which primates are shown being raised in a house with humans neglect to mention that they were torn away from their mothers. In their natural habitats, some primates stay even longer with their mothers than tiger cubs do, depending on them to learn social skills in their complex societies and cultures. Tigers used for public encounters face a lifetime of suffering. In episode one, a graph and Baskin’s narration explain the small “cub petting” age bracket for tiger cubs. The series mentions that once cubs grow beyond photo-op age (which is, at most, when they’re only a few months old), exhibitors regard tigers as nothing more than a bill, a bill that can live upwards of 20 years. Even so, not much is revealed about the fate of these animals. While the series indicates that some tigers are killed, it fails to mention that most are relegated to dingy cages in roadside zoos and sometimes used for breeding to perpetuate the cycle. Many are inbred in order to get more “desirable” or profitable color patterns. In episode four, a cross-eyed white tiger makes an appearance a demonstration of the way inbreeding can lead to genetic deformities and health issues. Early on in Tiger King, viewers are introduced to the practice of carting big cats to shopping malls for exploitative cub-petting sessions and photo ops. Again, the docuseries leaves viewers merely to infer that this is horrible there’s no explicit mention of the dangerous and stressful nature of transport for young cubs. When carted around, vulnerable, defenseless cubs are subjected to strange environments, cramped cages, and extreme temperatures. They have heightened stress responses in these conditions, and many of them have even died because of health complications resulting from stressful transport and handling. Tiger cubs belong in the jungle by their mothers’ sides, not crammed into transport trucks and small cages to be hauled around for entertainment. Tiger King let its audience down again when it included footage of Joe Exotic and other big-cat exploiters exhibiting tiger cubs on talk shows without explaining why this isn’t OK. Wild animals forced to appear on talk shows are typically crated for extended periods, transported to and from sets, and forced to endure noisy crowds that can cause them a great deal of stress. Exposing audiences to such exploitation may also make some likelier to buy exotic animals as “pets.” Forcing wild animals onto a bright, noisy soundstage surrounded by shouting crowds is cruel, and it’s irresponsible to teach viewers including children that this sort of treatment is acceptable. Sure, Joe Exotic’s murder-for-hire plot makes for good television, but Tiger King didn’t delve nearly deeply enough into the abuse of the cub-petting industry. So once you’ve finished the Netflix docuseries, do yourself and big cats a favor by watching one more video. Reputable sanctuaries never breed or sell animals, never allow public encounters or photo ops with wild animals, and never cart wild animals to fairs or other venues for entertainment. Don’t be duped by any shoddy operation that does these things and still calls itself a “sanctuary.” Big cats let alone just tigers, need to be in the wild not behind steel/wire cages or walked on leashes. Click on the link below to speak out for captive tigers and other animals exploited by the entertainment industry: Information provided by PETA and the Netflix documentary 'Tiger King' While the veterinary community is still dealing largely with unknowns amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, most of what they do know might come as a relief to pet owners. COVID-19, a potentially deadly respiratory illness, is believed to have originated from exotic animal food markets in Wuhan, China but domestic dogs and cats themselves do not appear to be carriers. The World Health Organization currently reports there is “no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.” However, the first dog to test positive for coronavirus died in Hong Kong Monday, causing alarm for many pet owners. Here’s everything we know so far about how the coronavirus interacts with cats and dogs so far: Animals are not thought to spread the disease: “There is no evidence that animals or animal products imported from China or other countries pose a risk of spreading coronavirus in the US,” the New York State Veterinary Medical Society declares in a new pamphlet on COVID-19. “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread the coronavirus.” Be careful not to expose your pet to the virus: Those who are sick with the coronavirus should “restrict contact with any animals just like you would around other people,” the VMS pamphlet continues. A healthy household member should take care of the pet, or if that is not a possibility, the infected individual should wear a face mask and wash their hands thoroughly before and after feeding, walking or interacting with the pet. There is one case of a dog testing positive: In late February, a Hong Kong coronavirus patient’s pet dog tested “weak positive” for a “low level” of the virus after oral and nasal tests on Feb. 26 at an animal care facility. The dog, which did not exhibit any symptoms, was put into a two-week quarantine, after which it tested negative before dying Monday. Animals may be ‘fomites’: While there is not yet solid evidence that animals can carry the virus, they still may be fomites for it. “A fomite is a surface that can transmit disease,” “Anything can be a fomite.” A door handle, a tote bag, a phone screen and your guinea pig. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that people affected by COVID-19 have live virus in their stool, so it can spread through fecal matter as well as droplets from sneezing and coughing. “So, if somebody who has [the coronavirus] is coughing on their hand and then petting their dog, there is the possibility of transmission,” But I think it’s a very low likelihood and we don’t know enough to support this theory 100%. What to do if you’re worried about your pet: Concerned pet owners, should contact their vets but be patient: This virus is novel to everyone, and the situation is changing rapidly, with management protocols evolving daily. Build an emergency kit: The ASPCA advises “emergency kits” that include a 30-day supply of pets’ medications, as well as at least two weeks’ worth of food and other supplies, such as kitty litter. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification info: pet name, telephone number and urgent medical needs. Plus, write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on carriers. Designate an emergency caregiver: The ASPCA also advises “proactively” pre-designating a family member, friend or boarding facility to help with short- or long-term care in the event you are unable to care for your pets. If your emergency caregiver’s assistance is needed, ease their burden by compiling all info in a “dossier.” List habits, food preferences, medical conditions and meds taken, veterinarian contact info, medical and vaccination records and behavioral tendencies. REMEMBER: A pet’s first line of defense is a well-prepared owner, and I strongly encourage pet owners to take the necessary precautions and incorporate pets into their preparedness plans to keep their family including their pets healthy. Click on the World Heath Organization logo above to get more information on COVID 19 and how to stay safe protecting yourself and others.
Can you believe that just a few weeks ago the Antarctic recorded its highest ever temperature? To top that, penguins are disappearing in alarming numbers from the Antarctic. Scientists surveying chinstrap penguin colonies in the Antarctic have found drastic reductions in many colonies, with some declining by as much as 77% since they were last surveyed almost 50 years ago. Governments are now in the final stages of negotiating a new plan to protect our oceans. If they get it right, it could be a game-changer for our blue planet - and a chance to start healing our damaged seas. If these negotiations are going to succeed, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, needs to show up and fight for ocean protection. To protect the Antarctic and all the world’s oceans, we need a strong Global Ocean Treaty - and to make that happen, we need South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor, and ministers from around the world to attend the negotiations and fight for a strong global ocean treaty. If they do, they can use their power to help break the deadlock.
GET OUT THERE, START TALKING, MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROTECT THE PENGUINS OF ANTARCTIC! The National Institutes of Health has betrayed their commitment to retire all federally owned and supported chimpanzees to a sanctuary. In 2018 the agency said it would create a new process to assess the health status of each chimpanzee in their facilities and only those few chimpanzees who were in extremely poor health would be kept in the laboratory instead of being retired to a sanctuary at Chimp Haven. We had hoped that NIH would live up to that promise, but they have instead announced they won't be transferring the remaining 41 chimpanzees housed at the Alamogordo Primate Research Facility to a sanctuary at Chimp Haven. This is unacceptable. The NIH has an obligation under the CHIMP Act to send eligible chimpanzees to Chimp Haven, and it’s incredibly hard to believe that all 41 chimpanzees are all too sick to be transferred and given an opportunity to thrive in a sanctuary setting. In addition, the “independent panel” that made that determination simply wasn’t independent at all, it did not include a primate behaviorist or ethicist or a veterinarian with sanctuary experience and instead was made up of three of NIH’s own veterinarians. Many of these remaining chimps have lived at their facilities for decades, which means they’re nearing the end of their lives, and have diabetes, heart conditions, and other infirmities. Some in the biomedical community have argued that these animals are too sick and frail to survive the stresses of a long trip and a new living facility, with new humans and chimps to get used to. They point to nine older chimps that died within 2 years of being transferred from the MD Anderson Cancer Center to Chimp Haven about 5 years ago. Hundreds of chimpanzees, of all ages and health conditions, have moved to Chimp Haven since the NIH announced that the agency would no longer fund invasive chimpanzee research and would retire all federally owned and supported chimpanzees to sanctuary in 2015. There has not been a single death during transport, and it is clear that the chimpanzees, overall, receive better care in sanctuary environments. It is important to that the National Institutes of Health has a true independent panel review these determinations that none of the remaining chimpanzees at Alamogordo can be transferred to sanctuary. This panel should include, at least, a primate behaviorist and a veterinarian with chimpanzee sanctuary experience, instead of simply relying on NIH's own veterinarians who have rubber stamped the desire of the laboratory to hold onto the chimpanzees, ensuring they continue to receive taxpayer dollars. If you have gotten to this point in my blog I urge you to please take a stand and sign the petition below to send a message to Director Collins. These chimpanzees deserve to have a chance at a better quality of life in a sanctuary and the NIH's announcement is simply insufficient.
As fires continue to rip through Australia, some devastating numbers are emerging: At least 24 people killed. More than 15.6 million acres torched. Over 1,400 homes destroyed. And, according to one biodiversity expert’s count, an estimated 480 million animals killed. That last number nearly half a billion is staggeringly huge, and has made the rounds on social media over the past few days. You might be wondering: How are so many animals dying? And how do we know the number of animals killed? The bush fires which is due to dare I say it CLIMATE CHANGE, has been burning since September 2019, taking down everything in its path from rural to suburban areas. So again, how do we know how many animals have perished? We can see the evidence with our own eyes: Distressing images of burned kangaroos and koalas, and videos of dead animals on the sides of the roads, have circulated online over the past week. Other animals have not been burned alive but have faced death due to the destruction of their natural environment, which they rely on for food and shelter. As for the 480 million figure, that estimate comes from Chris Dickman, a biodiversity expert at the University of Sydney. A statement from that institution explains how he arrived at the number. Regardless of the exact numbers, this is a crisis for biodiversity in Australia, which is home to some of Earth’s most distinctive animals, like marsupials. In fact, around 244 species of mammals are found only in Australia. What’s more, according to the University of Sydney’s statement, “Some 34 species and subspecies of native mammals have become extinct in Australia over the last 200 years, the highest rate of loss for any region in the world.” The current loss of Australian animal life is a serious tragedy, by anyone’s count. It adds to the terrible human toll: two dozen people killed, and thousands more evacuated. Fires are expected to keep raging for another month. To help with the evacuations and firefighting, the government announced this weekend that it’s deploying the military. Experts say the deployment is on a scale not seen since World War II. As Defense Minister Linda Reynolds put it, “It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory.” At this point, you might be asking yourself: Can’t animals just run away from a raging fire? Can’t birds just fly away? In many cases, particularly for birds, the answer is yes. “Certainly, large animals, like kangaroos or emus many birds, of course will be able to move away from the fire as it approaches,” Dickman told the BBC. But he added that “it’s the less mobile species and the smaller ones that depend on the forest itself that are really in the firing line.” Koalas are a good example. An estimated 8,000 of them have died from the fires, ecologists say. That’s almost one-third of all koalas in NSW, which forms their main habitat. “It may well be up to 30 percent of the population in that region [was killed], because up to 30 percent of their habitat has been destroyed,” explained Sussan Ley, Australia’s environment minister. Some ecologists, including Colin Beale, an ecologist from the University of York, say the 480 million estimate may be inflated. Although it’s plausible that many animals have been affected by the fires, the proportion of them that actually died may be smaller. Let’s hope so. The truth is, it’s hard for anyone to know the precise impact of the fires at this stage, not least because many animals that survive the flames will likely die later due to lack of food, water, and shelter. The World Wildlife Fund is currenlty accepting donations to restore the koalas habitats. To donate and help the amazing firefighters, Zoo/animal sanctuary staff as well as the volunteers please click on the links below: information provided by: https://www.vox.com/ On this day, all Nepalese dogs, home-owned and stray, receive a royal treatment. Kukur Tihar or Kukur Puja literally means the worship of dogs. This is a mini-festival within a larger Hindu celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. According to Nepalese tradition, one of the festive days is dedicated solely to the human's most devoted friend and guardian. In Hindu religion, a dog is a sacred animal, intended to have a special bond with a human, so as to accompany us on our way to heaven. During Kukur Tihar, the canines are treated with special love and admiration. Each one gets a flower garland or "malla" placed around its neck. The forehead is painted with a paste named "talik" or "tikka" made from red-colored powder, rice and yogurt. This marking symbolizes their sacredness. The dogs' favorite part of the celebration is to feast on various goodies ranging from fruit and cookies to eggs, milk, cheese, meat, and high-quality dog food. There're no exceptions on this festival: each dog, whether home-owned or stray, receives such special treatment. Even Nepalese Police Dogs can feel the holiday spirit. Besides being granted with a day off and general festivities, they also partake in a special march designed to mark the occasion. The heart-melting festivities are open to the public! However you have to arrive in Kathmandu at a specific time. Diwali annually falls in late October or early November. The festival stretches over five days, and Kukur Tihar always occurs on the second day. |