Arthur the brave
- Thread starter TonyP
- Start date
TonyP
New member
How about a friendly competition.
This is Arthur's group of play pals at bottle feeding time.
Check out this video and guess which rhino is Arthur from left to right. The behavior is sure to give it away.
https://youtu.be/RKJTBKWfMsU
This is Arthur's group of play pals at bottle feeding time.
Check out this video and guess which rhino is Arthur from left to right. The behavior is sure to give it away.
https://youtu.be/RKJTBKWfMsU
Clutch
Caught the Bug
I’m not sure but my 1st guess is the 4th one, but my 2nd guess is the 1st one. All of them are so precious.
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
TonyP
New member
As a way of introduction........In my very inexperienced youth, long, long ago, I had applied to join the SAAF as a pilot. Unfortunately there was a bit of a waiting list, so to fill in the time I signed on with the then Natal Parks Board as a budding Ranger working in Ndumu game reserves. Nature and animals being my next best love.
The reserves were very rustic in those days Hluhluwe being the 5 star venue, but huts were one roomed buildings with central ablutions made with reed walls and thatch. It was a marvellous time in my life and I had an absolute ball. One of my heroes was a guy called Prof. Rupert who employed me to carry out some elephant behavioural and interaction studies on an elephant herd in the Zambezi valley of Rhodesia, an opportunity at which I jumped, elephant being my passion. I ended up spending 2 years living in the bush, moving my 'camp' with this herd as they migrated along their annual route from Mana Pools to the shores of Kariba.
If you guys would like, I will delve back into my distant memory and try to capture and describe some of the more memorable interactions I witnessed during that time. I will not pass judgement or comment on the why's and wherefores of these behaviours, but will merely tell the stories for you to draw your own conclusions as to how intelligent and amazing these (mostly) gentle giants are.
We are often warned about applying human thought processes on animals, but with elephant it is extremely difficult not to.
Hmmmmm, no comment except to tell you a little story told by Tony Bruce who was a Ranger involved in Operation Noah which happened in 1959 and early 60's. Kariba dam had recently been completed and the rising waters were endangering thousands upon thousands of animals who ended up stranded on islands soon to be submerged. The modus operandi was for the rangers to head out to these islands in 2 aluminium boats with outboard motors armed with nets made out of nylon stockings. These nets would be strung across the islands and beaters would chase the animals into the nets where other rangers hidden behind bushes would pounce and entangle the animals. Nylon stockings would then be bound around the animals’ legs and they would be loaded on the boats and taken to within 50 yards of the mainland and released into the water. On seeing the land, they would swim ashore and the boats would turn around and repeat the process, day after tiring day.
Below is a little excerpt from his experience in Operation Noah.
One evening, after a long day, we were sitting in a circle around the campfire. That day on one of the afternoon clearings we'd snagged too many antelope to transport as quickly as desired, and by the time we got to the last batch one female bushbuck (on release from the boat) simply sank beneath the water and had to be rescued. We brought her back into the boat, wrapped her in blankets and, as the light was fading, returned to camp. We laid the bushbuck under a tree and forgot it was there. Now as we sat drinking our coffee getting ready to turn in for the night the bushbuck staggered to her feet. In the guttering light of the campfire and pressure lamps hung on trees, we watched in silence as she walked, unsteadily at first then more surely, around the ring of sitting game rangers and volunteers. She made three turns around the circle, moving slowly and without fear with the grace only great ballet dancers or beautiful animals have. Finally she turned into the darkness and disappeared from view. Tad Edelman, the chief game ranger and an unsentimental man, let out a long breath, making us all realise that we too had been holding ours. "She was thanking us -- my God -- she was thanking us," he said unbelievingly.
The reserves were very rustic in those days Hluhluwe being the 5 star venue, but huts were one roomed buildings with central ablutions made with reed walls and thatch. It was a marvellous time in my life and I had an absolute ball. One of my heroes was a guy called Prof. Rupert who employed me to carry out some elephant behavioural and interaction studies on an elephant herd in the Zambezi valley of Rhodesia, an opportunity at which I jumped, elephant being my passion. I ended up spending 2 years living in the bush, moving my 'camp' with this herd as they migrated along their annual route from Mana Pools to the shores of Kariba.
If you guys would like, I will delve back into my distant memory and try to capture and describe some of the more memorable interactions I witnessed during that time. I will not pass judgement or comment on the why's and wherefores of these behaviours, but will merely tell the stories for you to draw your own conclusions as to how intelligent and amazing these (mostly) gentle giants are.
We are often warned about applying human thought processes on animals, but with elephant it is extremely difficult not to.
Hmmmmm, no comment except to tell you a little story told by Tony Bruce who was a Ranger involved in Operation Noah which happened in 1959 and early 60's. Kariba dam had recently been completed and the rising waters were endangering thousands upon thousands of animals who ended up stranded on islands soon to be submerged. The modus operandi was for the rangers to head out to these islands in 2 aluminium boats with outboard motors armed with nets made out of nylon stockings. These nets would be strung across the islands and beaters would chase the animals into the nets where other rangers hidden behind bushes would pounce and entangle the animals. Nylon stockings would then be bound around the animals’ legs and they would be loaded on the boats and taken to within 50 yards of the mainland and released into the water. On seeing the land, they would swim ashore and the boats would turn around and repeat the process, day after tiring day.
Below is a little excerpt from his experience in Operation Noah.
One evening, after a long day, we were sitting in a circle around the campfire. That day on one of the afternoon clearings we'd snagged too many antelope to transport as quickly as desired, and by the time we got to the last batch one female bushbuck (on release from the boat) simply sank beneath the water and had to be rescued. We brought her back into the boat, wrapped her in blankets and, as the light was fading, returned to camp. We laid the bushbuck under a tree and forgot it was there. Now as we sat drinking our coffee getting ready to turn in for the night the bushbuck staggered to her feet. In the guttering light of the campfire and pressure lamps hung on trees, we watched in silence as she walked, unsteadily at first then more surely, around the ring of sitting game rangers and volunteers. She made three turns around the circle, moving slowly and without fear with the grace only great ballet dancers or beautiful animals have. Finally she turned into the darkness and disappeared from view. Tad Edelman, the chief game ranger and an unsentimental man, let out a long breath, making us all realise that we too had been holding ours. "She was thanking us -- my God -- she was thanking us," he said unbelievingly.
Clutch
Caught the Bug
TonyP
New member
March News Update.
NEW ARRIVAL AT
CARE FOR WILD RHINO SANCTUARY
On Monday 25th March 2019, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary received a call to be on stand by for an orphaned calf from the Skukuza area of the Kruger National Park (KNP) (https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/). Soon after receiving the call, another call was received notifying us that the rescue team came under heavy fire from the poachers and had to retreat for their safety. The team was not able to get to the calf safely.
As night fell, our hearts did too. Every hour that a calf is out in the bush on their own brings them closer to an unfortunate ending. The following day the rescue teams headed out again in search of the newly orphaned rhino calf but to no avail. As dusk fell, everyone prayed that this young calf would fight through and survive another night. On Wednesday, the search for the calf continued, but it was unsuccessful. Hope was running out. Two days and two nights, alone in the bush in an area that is well-known for lions would have taken a miracle for this baby to still be alive.
Fortunately, miracles do happen! Thursday afternoon, helicopter pilot Brad Grafton was flying from Skukuza towards Malelane of the KNP when he by chance spotted the calf from the air. He quickly called KNP’s head veterinarian Dr. Peter Buss as well as KNP head ranger Don English to join him in the rescue of this miracle fighter. A call was made to the Care for Wild Team notifying that the baby that everyone’s been waiting for is on his way!
The young rhino calf bull, aged around 13 months, landed at the Care for Wild helipad at 16:30 on the 28th March 2019. Fortunately the young bull did not have any severe injuries; he did however have claw marks and bite marks all over his body that show what a fight he had to put up against the lions to survive. The Care for Wild ICU Team ensured his vitals remained stable and he could rest after his trauma.
The following day, the orphaned bull was moved from the ICU to the main holding facilities near the other orphaned rhinos. His blindfold was removed and he was introduced to a large nightpen filled with a variety of food and bedding to enjoy. Two days later, the orphaned bull was introduced to Sparkle, Sophia and Kayla-Milan, and later to Summer and Arthur as well.
We are happy to report that this young fighter is doing very well, settling in to his new environment and routine. He found comfort with the other orphans by following and learning from them, he is already happily eating and drinking with the crash.
We would like to thank the KNP pilot, Brad, veterinarian Dr. Buss, and all the rangers that risked their lives during the rescue of this miracle baby. You are all our heroes.
Intensive Anti-Poaching Training at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
During March, a full day of Anti-Poaching training and drills were performed, including helicopter training and strategy discussions. All the various levels of the APU were involved, including the mounted horse unit, the rhino monitors and the K-9 unit. Our bloodhound, Diesel was quite relaxed and comfortable in the helicopter!
We would like to thank everyone involved in this training as well as our loyal sponsors of the various dogs, horses and APU unit members. Together, we will work towards keeping the rhinos safe, no matter what it takes! For the love of our precious rhinos!
NEW ARRIVAL AT
CARE FOR WILD RHINO SANCTUARY
On Monday 25th March 2019, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary received a call to be on stand by for an orphaned calf from the Skukuza area of the Kruger National Park (KNP) (https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/). Soon after receiving the call, another call was received notifying us that the rescue team came under heavy fire from the poachers and had to retreat for their safety. The team was not able to get to the calf safely.
As night fell, our hearts did too. Every hour that a calf is out in the bush on their own brings them closer to an unfortunate ending. The following day the rescue teams headed out again in search of the newly orphaned rhino calf but to no avail. As dusk fell, everyone prayed that this young calf would fight through and survive another night. On Wednesday, the search for the calf continued, but it was unsuccessful. Hope was running out. Two days and two nights, alone in the bush in an area that is well-known for lions would have taken a miracle for this baby to still be alive.
Fortunately, miracles do happen! Thursday afternoon, helicopter pilot Brad Grafton was flying from Skukuza towards Malelane of the KNP when he by chance spotted the calf from the air. He quickly called KNP’s head veterinarian Dr. Peter Buss as well as KNP head ranger Don English to join him in the rescue of this miracle fighter. A call was made to the Care for Wild Team notifying that the baby that everyone’s been waiting for is on his way!
The young rhino calf bull, aged around 13 months, landed at the Care for Wild helipad at 16:30 on the 28th March 2019. Fortunately the young bull did not have any severe injuries; he did however have claw marks and bite marks all over his body that show what a fight he had to put up against the lions to survive. The Care for Wild ICU Team ensured his vitals remained stable and he could rest after his trauma.
The following day, the orphaned bull was moved from the ICU to the main holding facilities near the other orphaned rhinos. His blindfold was removed and he was introduced to a large nightpen filled with a variety of food and bedding to enjoy. Two days later, the orphaned bull was introduced to Sparkle, Sophia and Kayla-Milan, and later to Summer and Arthur as well.
We are happy to report that this young fighter is doing very well, settling in to his new environment and routine. He found comfort with the other orphans by following and learning from them, he is already happily eating and drinking with the crash.
We would like to thank the KNP pilot, Brad, veterinarian Dr. Buss, and all the rangers that risked their lives during the rescue of this miracle baby. You are all our heroes.
Intensive Anti-Poaching Training at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary
During March, a full day of Anti-Poaching training and drills were performed, including helicopter training and strategy discussions. All the various levels of the APU were involved, including the mounted horse unit, the rhino monitors and the K-9 unit. Our bloodhound, Diesel was quite relaxed and comfortable in the helicopter!
We would like to thank everyone involved in this training as well as our loyal sponsors of the various dogs, horses and APU unit members. Together, we will work towards keeping the rhinos safe, no matter what it takes! For the love of our precious rhinos!
TonyP
New member
Come Guys, buy a very special gift for your Wife or Girlfriend. I think Arthur wants one to give to Kayla-Milan :brows:
HEATHER INGRAHAM
Previous volunteer, Heather Ingraham, was so inspired by the work done at Care for Wild and the orphaned rhinos in our care, that she took her love back to Nebraska. She designed a beautiful rhino pendant from which a portion of the proceeds go towards the orphaned rhinos she fell in love with.
Thank you Heather for your love, dedication and support. We appreciate you!
Please support Heather and Care for Wild by purchasing one of her beautiful and unique pendants.
The Rhino Pendants can be bought using the link at the end of her short story here:
In August 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. For two weeks, I had the privilege of becoming the surrogate mother to an orphaned baby rhino named Zac. My time with Zac was very meaningful and the experience will remain forever etched in my heart.
When I returned home, all I could think about was Zac and the amazing people who make up to Care for Wild team. I wanted to give back to this amazing organization and bring light to the plight of rhinos in South Africa.
So, in honor of Zac and all of the other orphaned rhinos at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, I designed an 18k gold rhino pendant that features a 0.10ct rough diamond, mined in Botswana.
The pendants retail for $750 but we are selling them for $550. They are available in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. Due to the nature of rough diamonds, each rhino pendant is unique and one-of–a kind.
Borsheims will donate a portion of the proceeds from each pendant sold to Care for Wild Africa Rhino Sanctuary.
The rhino pendants can be purchased at http://www.borsheims.com
Heather Ingraham, G.G.
Diamond Buyer
Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts
120 Regency Parkway l Omaha, Nebraska 68114
402.391.0400 I 800-642-GIFT l Fax 402.970.0195
HEATHER INGRAHAM
Previous volunteer, Heather Ingraham, was so inspired by the work done at Care for Wild and the orphaned rhinos in our care, that she took her love back to Nebraska. She designed a beautiful rhino pendant from which a portion of the proceeds go towards the orphaned rhinos she fell in love with.
Thank you Heather for your love, dedication and support. We appreciate you!
Please support Heather and Care for Wild by purchasing one of her beautiful and unique pendants.
The Rhino Pendants can be bought using the link at the end of her short story here:
In August 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. For two weeks, I had the privilege of becoming the surrogate mother to an orphaned baby rhino named Zac. My time with Zac was very meaningful and the experience will remain forever etched in my heart.
When I returned home, all I could think about was Zac and the amazing people who make up to Care for Wild team. I wanted to give back to this amazing organization and bring light to the plight of rhinos in South Africa.
So, in honor of Zac and all of the other orphaned rhinos at Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, I designed an 18k gold rhino pendant that features a 0.10ct rough diamond, mined in Botswana.
The pendants retail for $750 but we are selling them for $550. They are available in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold. Due to the nature of rough diamonds, each rhino pendant is unique and one-of–a kind.
Borsheims will donate a portion of the proceeds from each pendant sold to Care for Wild Africa Rhino Sanctuary.
The rhino pendants can be purchased at http://www.borsheims.com
Heather Ingraham, G.G.
Diamond Buyer
Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts
120 Regency Parkway l Omaha, Nebraska 68114
402.391.0400 I 800-642-GIFT l Fax 402.970.0195
Last edited:
nbunga
Caught the Bug
Kind of a fitting ending for this guy.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/autho...lephant-remains-eaten-by-lion-in-south-africa
https://www.foxnews.com/world/autho...lephant-remains-eaten-by-lion-in-south-africa
Brute
Hooked
just deserts.....
JKbrick
Active Member
TonyP
New member
Yup, I spend a lot of time in Kruger Park, it's only about 30km from my house, it is not the place to be on foot.
If elephant are just dumb animals, I wonder what made this one attack the poacher? It's not something they do for no reason, they are not preditors.
Oh well, one more that won't slip through the courts on some technicality.
If elephant are just dumb animals, I wonder what made this one attack the poacher? It's not something they do for no reason, they are not preditors.
Oh well, one more that won't slip through the courts on some technicality.
TonyP
New member
More good news this weekend.
2 people were arrested after being found with 167 rhino horn in their vehicle, destined for China & Vietnam. Let's hope they rot in jail for the rest of their lives. At the moment rhino horn fetches about $60,000 US per kg and the average adult rhino horn weighs about 4kg. That's a staggering $240,000 per animal and this haul would be worth about $40,080,000. Now to catch the rest of the players in this particular chain.
Until the people in south east Asia come to their senses, the poaching of rhino will not end until they are extinct and at the current rate they will no longer exist by 2025 at the outside. To a person earning in the region of $145 per month the risks of being caught poaching is worth it.
2 people were arrested after being found with 167 rhino horn in their vehicle, destined for China & Vietnam. Let's hope they rot in jail for the rest of their lives. At the moment rhino horn fetches about $60,000 US per kg and the average adult rhino horn weighs about 4kg. That's a staggering $240,000 per animal and this haul would be worth about $40,080,000. Now to catch the rest of the players in this particular chain.
Until the people in south east Asia come to their senses, the poaching of rhino will not end until they are extinct and at the current rate they will no longer exist by 2025 at the outside. To a person earning in the region of $145 per month the risks of being caught poaching is worth it.
Brute
Hooked
That’s the problem...as long as there is a hefty market for rhino horn, there will be poaching...regardless of the risk
Ddays
Hooked
Haven't these assholes ever heard of Viagra?! :thinking:
JKbrick
Active Member
Holy shit that is a huge amount of value per horn, they definitely need to kill the demand for the horn
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
TonyP
New member
Money and corruption go hand in hand. In this country the law is just a word.
There is a case on the go at the moment where two poachers were caught red handed, excuse the pun, with two rhino horn still dripping with blood and blood all over their clothes, about half a mile from a reserve fence. In addition they had a hunting rifle and an axe which after testing had the same blood as the horns all over it.
Now you tell me how the hell this works, but the case has been in and out of court over a period of 7 years and there is still no conviction.
Oh, by the way, one of the poachers was a cop.
Imagine how many people are involved in trying to cover up over a 7 year period and how much money has changed hands.
There is a case on the go at the moment where two poachers were caught red handed, excuse the pun, with two rhino horn still dripping with blood and blood all over their clothes, about half a mile from a reserve fence. In addition they had a hunting rifle and an axe which after testing had the same blood as the horns all over it.
Now you tell me how the hell this works, but the case has been in and out of court over a period of 7 years and there is still no conviction.
Oh, by the way, one of the poachers was a cop.
Imagine how many people are involved in trying to cover up over a 7 year period and how much money has changed hands.